what could cause a car to stop suddenly?

[nageov3t]

so, I've had my car (mazda protege) for about 5 years now.

in this time, I've had 4 incidents where the car has stopped suddenly and the engine died. while stopped, all the usual dashboard warning lights go on (check engine, oil, etc)... turning the car off and turning the ignition back on has worked immediately every time.

I'm not sure if it's related or just sheer luck, but every time it's happened, I was in the midst of slowing to a stop anyways (it's happened twice in bumper to bumper traffic, and twice as I was approaching a stop sign/red light).

and clue wtf could cause a problem so randomly and sporadically?

 

[Bartman39]

Have you had it scanned for codes...? Possibly...

Had an issue like that once before with an Izuzu car that turned out to be a defective ECU which was replaced by the dealer under warranty... Always happened when coming to stop and would just die so no power brakes or power steering which is not good...:thumbsdown:

the car has stopped suddenly and the engine died

Common now help this guy...

 

[HAL9000]

Trees?

 

[Doppel]

Brakes!

 

[TakeNoPrisoners]

Once when my PCM was damaged in my car it would do that. I would check that first.

 

[punjabiplaya]

I'm not sure if it's related or just sheer luck, but every time it's happened, I was in the midst of slowing to a stop anyways.

+1 to check for codes

see if you can replicate it

has it had all its servicing done?

 

[dud]

Trees?

That's the way to intelligently contribute to the forums!!!

Troll ...


.

 

[5150MyU]

Your idiot lights will come on every time the car dies-that is normal.
Multiple things can cause what you describe-PCM,BCM,Fuel Pump,Relay,ASD Relay
ETC-You need to be able to duplicate the problem when it is a no start.
There may be a common problem with the protege-google may be your best answer.

 

[JechtShot]

Usually when that happens in a Honda, its usually a Defective Ignition Coil. Maybe test yours out.

 

[nageov3t]

+1 to check for codes

see if you can replicate it

has it had all its servicing done?

unfortunately, the problem doesn't seem replicatable. I've owned the car for ~5 years and the problem has occurred 4 times, all pretty evenly spaced out (I think the last time it happened was about a year and a half ago). but I drive the same way, in the same conditions, pretty much all the time.

I've never taken it to a mechanic specifically for this problem, but it went in for a 50,000 mile tune-up/brake replacement last month and it's undergone DMV inspection twice without incident.

 

[T2urtle]

well there should always be a fault if the CEL is triggered. even if the problem isn't happening currently the fault is stored into history.

your not giving us much. I can start guessing that a cam/crank sensor is intermittently failing but its pretty much a crap shoot.

 

[5150MyU]

The most likely cause is the crank sensor but that is just a guess.Assuming it has one.-talk to a MAZADA tech-you are in a tough situation figureing out what is happening.

 

[Vadatajs]

Does it sputter a little first? If so, check the EGR valve, they tend to get gummed up.

 

[HAL9000]

That's the way to intelligently contribute to the forums!!!

Troll ...


.

It was as useful a contribution as this post.

Edit: Please note, I meant no offence to the OP with this post.

 

[skyking]

that sounds like a loose electrical connection.