My 2005 Ford Focus stalls out like it is out of gas on hot humid days. Once it cools down it runs fine. All through the winter, no problem, only hot humid days. A/C?
Hello and Welcome to Just Answer. My name is XXXXX XXXXX X will try my best to assist you and your 100% satisfaction is my goal. I have been working on these vehicles for over 10 years so I am very familiar with this system and how they work. However, keep in mind, that I need some solid concrete facts/evidence/clues from you in order to give you a good answer about your vehicle. Please realize that all my answers are based solely on the info that you provide me with.Is the check engine light on? Are there any codes in the computer?When it stalls and does not restart, do you know if the engine has spark and fuel?
The check engine light does come on. I had it scanned once a while ago but honestly I don't remember what the code said. It was done at a local parts superstore type thing. It does have fuel and spark it seems because it will usually restart if I give it a few minutes. Sometimes it needs an overnight wait but then will start just fine. It seems to only happen if it is hot and humid out. I live in MN so during the late fall, winter, early spring, it work fine. I haven't tried much during the summer for fear of it stalling. It happened just a month ago when we had an unseasonably hot day. I was idling in a parking lot with the a/c going and it died about a mile down the road.
Ok.. but when the engine stalls, it just cranks over correct? Do you know if the engine will fire up with starting fluid when this happens?
It just cranks and most all of the time will fire up but it seems like it isn't getting enough fuel. It almost acts like it is out of gas but I know of course it isn't. I have never tried starting fluid or anything like that with it.
It sounds to me like you might just have a bad/weak fuel pump. Fuel injected cars are very fuel pressure sensitive. Fuel pressure is very important and must be within specifications! But if the pressure is low, it does not mean the pump is bad. A plugged fuel filter, a pinched line, and low voltage at the pump can contribute to low fuel pressure. All three must be check before replacing the pump! Fuel pressure testing is frequently overlooked but it is one of the common causes of poor performance and hard/no start conditions. A good way to check your fuel pump is to run an amp test on the fuel pump while it is running or while battery voltage is being applied ot it (turning the key on, cranking your vehicle or even when your engine is running. The amount of amps your fuel pump will pull will depend on how much fuel pressure your fuel pump should supply to your fuel rail. A good rule of rule of thumb for this test is as follows:14 to 15 psi 3 to 4 amps30 to 45 psi 4 to 7 amps45 to 50 psi 7 to 8 amps50 to 70 psi 8 to 12 amps
Does fuel pressure change during high heat/humidity times? I assume it does so does that mean that during high heat/humidity the fuel pressure is higher? The first time this happened was about a year ago during a very hot time of year. We stalled, got it started, stalled, got it started stalled, finally gave it time to "cool down" and when it did, it started up and drove us safely to our desitination which was only about a mile down the road. We let it sit for a few days. We then started it up and drove for 3 hours home and never had another problem with it until a few months later it happened again. Got it home. It happened then again later in the fall, got it home again. Happened about a month ago. Let it cool down and made it 5 miles then died again. I let it sit over night to "cool down" on the side of the road. Got in it in the morning and drove it home to leave it parked in the garage now. So your answer is still the same?
Hello!This particular vehicle has a fuel pump driver module on it. The fuel pump driver module increases and decreases fuel pressure as needed depending on the inputs to the computer. This can be outside related tempature and conditions. So to answer your question, yes.. it does to a point. YES.. my answer is still the same. Fuel pump or the fuel pump driver module can go bad causing this condition. You will need to start by checking fuel pressure WHEN this happens to be sure that this is what is going on.I hope this helps! Please don't forget to rate my answer so that I may get credit for my time and the information that I have provided you with. Your question will not close, and you will still have the opportunity to follow-up if needed. Leaving a bonus and positive feedback is not required, but doing so is certainly appreciated!I do hope you are as honest with me about your vehicle as I have been with you. If you have any further questions or if you need more assistance, just hit the reply button and we can continue our conversation. Please remember, even if you rate my answer now, you can still reply or respond back to this thread at any time you wish at no further cost to you. In addition, please allow time between answers as I may be off line spending time with my family or assisting other customers. You can always request me by using the link through my profile page. Just Click on "AMEDEE" next to my picture and I will be sure to respond back in a timely manner. Thanks in advance!Best RegardsAMEDEE