While driving of a sudden it jerks and sputters and the wrench light turns on?

NICK546886

MEMBER
2009 MERCURY MARINER
2.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

While I'm driving all the sudden it jerks and sputters and the wrench light comes on, but it doesn't shut off the engine. I put it in neutral and try to restart it and it won't fire but when I pull over put it in park and try it it'll take a little bit, but it will fire back up and drive.

Saturday, June 14th, 2025 AT 8:01 AM

1 Reply

AL514

MECHANIC
5,314 POSTS

Hello, if the check engine light (wrench light) is coming on there is a diagnostic trouble code stored in the engine computer. You can take it to any parts store and they should be able to scan the engine computer for free and tell you what the code is, write it down so you can let us know what code(s) its setting, and we can give you some direction as to figuring out what's going on. It sounds like a sensor or actuator is starting to fail, it common when they get hot to start acting up, and after it cools down enough, you're able to restart the vehicle and drive again. But it will eventually fail altogether and probably leave you stuck somewhere. So, stop by your locale auto parts store, (AutoZone, Advance Auto, O'Reilly's) and have them put their scan tool on it. Make sure to write down all the codes they give you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

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Sunday, June 15th, 2025 AT 10:13 AM