Engine shut off while idling with the A/C on?

Tiny
VMSTAGG
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 FORD FOCUS
  • 108,000 MILES
When my car was in park, was in idle and the air conditioner was on, after some time the motor turned off.
Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 AT 9:01 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,840 POSTS
If your 2010 Ford Focus shuts off while idling in park with the air conditioner on, there are a few potential causes to consider:

Idle Air Control Valve (IACV): The IACV is responsible for regulating the engine's idle speed. If it becomes clogged or malfunctions, it can disrupt the idle control and cause the engine to stall. Cleaning or replacing the IACV may be necessary to resolve the issue.

Air Conditioning Compressor: A faulty or seized air conditioning compressor can place excessive load on the engine, leading to stalling. Issues with the compressor clutch or the compressor itself may require repair or replacement.

Electrical Issues: There may be an electrical problem that affects the engine's operation when the air conditioner is running. This could include issues with the alternator, battery, or wiring. A thorough inspection of the electrical system is recommended to identify any potential faults.

Engine Overheating: If the engine is overheating while idling with the air conditioner on, it can trigger the engine's safety mechanisms to shut it off. Check the coolant level, cooling system components, and ensure that the radiator fan is functioning properly.

To address this issue, it is recommended to take the following steps:

Check the IACV and clean or replace it if necessary.

Inspect the air conditioning compressor and associated components for any signs of malfunction or damage.

Have the electrical system checked by a qualified mechanic to identify and rectify any electrical issues.

Verify the cooling system's performance, including checking the coolant level, radiator, hoses, and fan operation.

If you're unable to pinpoint the exact cause or perform the necessary repairs yourself, it's recommended to consult a professional mechanic or authorized Ford service center for a thorough diagnosis and resolution of the stalling issue.
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Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 AT 12:37 PM
Tiny
VMSTAGG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I just purchased this car listed above from auto nation and all systems were in good running order. A service person said that some Ford Focus's automatically shut off if you have the car in park and it has been idling for too long. What do you know about this?
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 11:42 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,840 POSTS
I don't know if the 2010 has the about shut off option but you never know, if it does have the option, it should have a switch on the dash that can cycle the system off. If not, we should do a CAN scan, you can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Here is one for about $99.00 if you need it:

https://amzn.to/3ZixY4v

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
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Thursday, May 18th, 2023 AT 12:18 PM

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