Low idle stalls at stop lights, sputters at take off

Tiny
SHERI ALLEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD FOCUS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 157,000 MILES
When car warms up has very low idle stalls in drive at lights sputters on take off. Had new ignition key made by lock smith after losing keys the key does have chip worked fine for about 200 miles now won’t start the car. It has the Steve motor we replaced plugs and wires, TPS plugs. Again to no avail. Battery is charged still no start, no crank, no noise at all. When keys is turned all lights functional and chimes but nothing from the motor.
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Friday, July 26th, 2019 AT 11:13 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Okay, so lets work the starting circuit on your vehicle until we find where the problem is, so you can fix it. You will need to use a multi-meter to do this this, so here is a link down below for you to go to if you are unfamiliar with how to use one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

In the diagrams down below I have included a wiring diagram of your vehicle's starting circuit for reference. We are going to be working our way from the battery to the starter. so let's start with the battery. Can you take a voltage reading across the terminals of your battery and inspect Grounds #103 and #104. I have also included instructions for inspecting grounds in the diagrams down below as well. Ground 103 is on the left hand side of the engine compartment and I have included a diagram for you for it, and Ground #104 is on the cylinder head. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you find out. We will continue on from there.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 8:17 AM
Tiny
SHERI ALLEN
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  • 36 POSTS
Thank you. I will let you know what I find.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 12:26 PM
Tiny
SHERI ALLEN
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
Is the 2.3L the same as the 2.0? Mine is the 2.0L.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 12:32 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Yes. It is just the one diagram showing the Ground location and the manual says they are in the same location.

Thanks,
Alex
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 2:18 PM
Tiny
SHERI ALLEN
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
Battery is 12.46 both #103 and #104 are good under the dash. There is a box that has 3 flashing red lights. What is that?
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 3:22 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Okay, that's good. Now, I need you to check Fuse #8(30A) in the Battery Junction Box which is located in your vehicle's engine compartment, on the drivers side rear corner. The fuse protects the ignition switch and the starting circuit. Here is a link below for you to go to if you are unsure how to check one.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

In the diagrams down below I have included diagrams showing the Battery Junction Box location, and a diagram with callout for it as well. Please get back to us with what you find out and we will go from there.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
SHERI ALLEN
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
The fuse is good.
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Monday, July 29th, 2019 AT 8:44 AM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Okay, that's good. Next, please bench test the starter relay. It's located in the Central Junction Box (Diagram provided earlier). Here is a link with directions on how to do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Please get back to us with what you are able to find out. We will continue from there.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Monday, July 29th, 2019 AT 1:57 PM

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