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2004 Ford Escape XLT 3.0L V6 - Engine Shuts Off Suddenly Only While Driving
My granddaughter has been having trouble with her 2004 Ford Escape XLT 3.0L V6. She bought it from the relative of a friend of hers. The relative is a backyard mechanic who buys a used car cheap, fixes it up and resells it. Rinse and repeat. He's a nice guy who has always done additional repairs for my granddaughter for free. He's had this car back at his house several times trying to fix this particular problem, but now says he just can't figure out what is causing the engine to die. I've had her take the car to other shops, always with a diagnosis and repairs done. The car drives away okay, only to die again later.
Here's the symptoms and attempted repairs so far.
Symptoms:
Engine Shuts Off Suddenly Only While Driving.
ABS light comes on momentarily, then all electrical components go off including dash lights and radio, etc.
Driver reports that the steering works just long enough to steer onto the shoulder.
Car will not start again for at least 15 minutes.
Sometimes when trying to re-start the engine after dying, the oil light will flash rapidly with a clicking sound, but even with ignition "on," the car it has absolutely no other power.
Driver reports that one time after the engine died, it was sort of acting like the alarm was going off. Hard to explain. (both weak horn and lights flashing weakly?)
Once started, the engine will sometimes run for several days, and sometimes shuts off again within a few minutes. Driver can't pin down any particular pattern to predict engine shut off.
Repairs:
Alternator:
Previous owner replaced alternator in early 2020.
Autozone Tested alternator in July 2022 and said it works fine.
Battery:
Tests okay, was installed new in 2022.
Diodes (2) in fuse box:
Were both replaced in July 2022 and the car ran okay for 1 day, then died.
Other possible causes?
Crankshaft position sensor was replaced 3Aug2022.
Negative (Ground) battery cable and clamp was replaced Sept 2022.
It's been to three different auto-repair shops, with three different diagnoses, and three different repair bills. The previous owner is willing to do the repairs, but can't figure out what needs to be fixed.
Any idea how I can get this problem properly diagnosed?
So it acts like a low voltage condition when it stalls and you have to wait 15 minutes? Need to check the block ground and voltage drop between battery terminals and posts when cranking with the clicking
I had the same issue with my 2005 mazda tribute and it has the same engine as your ford escape, i replaced the pcv valve and it solved the stalling issue.... does it have any erratic idle and any codes???
The engine idled fine and it had no codes.
I had the car to several different mechanics who 'fixed' stuff but could not resolve the problem, so the car was finally sold for scrap. I don't recall that any mechanic suggested replacing the pvc valve.
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