My 2003 Tribute (2.0 L, manual transmission) began intermittently stalling while driving (mostly when turning or slowing down) back in December, but would always just start right up again. Well today on the way to work it stalled and now won't start at all. It cranks but won't fire. Does anyone have any ideas on what the problem could be?


ETA: It pulled this:
Ignition Engine Speed Input Circuit Fault as the error code.

 

I know, old thread, but figured I'd not start another new one w/ the exact same question. New member here. Same question as OP. 2003, 2.0L, 5-speed, 80k on motor, same thing...random stall both at sub-35 mph speed and once even at 60 mph while exiting the freeway.

Check engine light and battery light both come on but when rolling to a stop and restarted both immediately turned off.

It also hesitates frequently when moderate gas pedal is used, doesn't matter the speed... thinking of replacing the fuel filter first, but any other suggestions? Vacuum lines? (I hate chasing ~those~ down....)

Thanks in advance!
-John

 

Give me a few hours and I'll have an answer for you. It was a sensor I just can't remember which one...I'll see what the hubby remembers.

 

Hi John,
I believe it was the crankshaft position sensor. When you install it make sure you have some washers to act as spacers it will likely save you a lot if headache as the replacement sensors seem to be to long. Hopefully this solves the issue for you!
Kirsty

 

Excellent, thanks! The dealer actually still has to run it through emissions so I'll see if/what happens... I have a feeling "I've bought it, it's my problem" once it passes emissions though... Thanks again.

 

Turns out (and I'll find out for sure when I drive it), it was the fuel pump. Used car dealer replaced it at no charge - pick it up tomorrow. :-)

 

Fuel pump failed Wednesday. Again. Replaced at no charge... Hope this isn't a trend!

 

Just a follow up to my issue...(as you'll see my post from 1/11/13.) Stumbling was still minimal but just sputtered hard for 30 seconds and stalled like I ran out of gas. Because...., well, I did "run out of gas" - fuel pump failed. Used car dealer blew me away by saying "yep, it died, we've replaced it at no charge since we put it in 3 months ago". Yay me.

So the stumbling is now significantly worse (yet NO check engine light ever came on) - and I want to avoid another fuel pump replacement as I'm guessing my free ones are probably no longer going to be offered. The stumble is annoying as heck now and my mpgs are probably suffering too.

I had read the dpfe is one of the most common causes but before throwing money at parts, I read the "Ford dpfe should put out approx 0.45 and 0.55 volts w/ the the key in the ON position."

From this cached site and the live one is no longer working: cache:http://mazdatribute.danielcadams.com/how-to-test-the-dpfe-sensor/

And a side note says all other makes should read 0.8 to 1.0v. Having said that, I tested mine and it read approx 1.4 to 1.5v - pretty significant difference (from the one source I found). Anyone else actually test their sensor before replacing it?

2.0 L, just to confirm....

Thanks again!