Car shut off while driving

Tiny
RBROOKS26
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 MERCURY VILLAGER
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 197,000 MILES
I was driving on the freeway. I pushed "automatic" button for A/C. Instrument cluster including all indicators went blank and engine shut off. Restarted once but very rough idle and shut off as soon as I stepped on accelerator. Is reading codes P0141 and P0325. Service engine soon light had been on for two weeks prior to this happening. Accessory drive belt on A/C was snapped during this incident. I have checked all fuses I can think to check and all are okay. Fuel pump shut off is not tripped, I already tried resetting that. I am at a loss. Any suggestions?
Wednesday, July 12th, 2017 AT 6:52 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Hello,

You have a oxygen sensor that has shorted out which can cause the engine to shut off. Bank 1 sensor 2 which is the side with the number one cylinder second one back.

Here is a guide to help you get the problem fixed:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-oxygen-sensor

Also before you replace the belt check to see if all of the pulleys are turning by hand (engine off).

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, July 12th, 2017 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
RBROOKS26
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I found a blown fuse finally. It was a 10 amp fuse labeled "relay". I changed it and the car started and instrument panel works. If I try to turn on A/C, even though the belt is not on, the fuse blows and engine shuts off.
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Wednesday, July 12th, 2017 AT 2:44 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, its sounds like the compressor is the problem like its locked up or the clutch coil is shorted. Here is a guide to help you get the problem fixed. Try unplugging the compressor to confirm.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Compressors are cheap on Amazon - $149.00

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JXZIRAI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2carprcom-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00JXZIRAI&linkId=ceb60c46083b93a8807e481dca3b93b9

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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Wednesday, July 12th, 2017 AT 3:48 PM
Tiny
RBROOKS26
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Thank you for the info I'll keep you updated.
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Wednesday, July 12th, 2017 AT 6:10 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, July 13th, 2017 AT 11:37 AM

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