Engine keeps stalling?
 

2002 X-type 2.5L w/ 81,000 miles.

I have an ongoing problem with my car stalling on me. I thought it was only on the highways but I am beginning to realize that its whenever I give the car sudden gas the car kind of like hiccups and stalls. This will happen at any speed. the car usually restarts immediately. Sometimes it takes several cranks. Another problem is that it doesn't happen all the time.

there is no check engine light on? I recently replaced the air mass sensor last year and the oxygen sensor recently but other than that no other repairs.

I also tried Fuel Cleaner but no avail? should I try a full tune up including new spark plugs? any ideas? I would hate to be stalled on a highway with no shoulder.

Thanks guys, this forum has been a tremendous help!

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

Werent the plugs changed as per the service schedule at 70k miles?

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

no the plugs were not changed. I thought the plugs were supposed to be changed around 100,000 miles? I will have to take a look at my manual. Could bad plugs be the problem?

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

It could be anything, plugs,coils, fuel system....
Plugs are changed at 70k according to my service sheet....
Attachment 190452

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

thanks for pointing that out. I guess I will start with the plugs. Should I stick with the dealer plugs?

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

Also sounds like it could be a crankshaft position sensor.
watch that too

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

Crankshaft Position Sensor? ok, I have no idea how to check that? is that something my independant mechanic can do? or do I have to bring this to Jaguar for them to check out?

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

I would start with the plugs and filters and go from there.

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

You know my friend had the same problem, and it turn out to be the fuel pump. The dealer changed it out for $1K, it wasn't cheap. At first they diagnosed it as a problem with the instrument cluster based on a code it fianlly threw after several shut downs. 300 dollars later the pump just went completely out, no doubt then what it was.

Also change the fuel filter, it under the car passenger side by the back wheel.

oh by the way spark plugs aren't easy to change and the dealer likes to charge a lot to do it.

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

Hey Grimm001,

it does feel like the fuel just cuts out. How do you check for a bad fuel pump besides the obvious when it completely fails? Is there a way to check or will it throw codes?

did your friend have problems with the engine stalling after the fuel pump was changed?

I heard changing the plugs was difficult, i'm not about to attempt it myself.

thanks!

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

Like Grimm said..and the easiest to start with would be replacing the fuel filter.

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

I double that. Replace FUEL FILTER first, before doing plugs and any other stuff. I am 80% sure it will fix the problem. It did for me.

You can get fuel filter at any car parts store and its easy to change.

Good luck.

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

I definitely want to try and replace the fuel filter 1st. Great idea but how easy is it?

can anyone please forward me the steps?

thanks again!

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

Hanky, to check the fuel pressure, you will need a pressure gauge with a schrader valve connector on the end. Under the hood is a connection (schrader valve) that you can plug the gauge into. Then you can first turn the ignition to the RUN position with the engine off and see what the pressure is (should be about 40 psi as I recall, but not 100% sure on the actual pressure as I don't have my repair CD in front of me) and then you can start the engine and it will drop slightly to about 30 psi (again, common number, need to look in my repair CD). If you have a problem with the fuel pump, it will read low. You can also try manually revving the engine by moving the throttle under the hood and watch the pressure. It should remain fairly constant (should only see a 2-3 psi change). If you see any more change than that, then you can start looking at the fuel system.

Chris "Thermo" Coleman

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

Thanks Thermo,

Checking for fuel pressure is too complcated for my limited mechanical ability. I want to change the fuel filter 1st. I searched on the forums but could not find it. Can anyone kindly guide me to the steps of replacing the fuel filter?

I have to be honest that I did a horrible thing and used regular gas for a time being trying to save money! I know that wasn't the smartest thing to do. Now i'm using super only!

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

Static fuel pressure readings will not always tell you if the pump is bad. Quite
oftena marginal pump is capable of supplying enough fuel for the static test.
It is when a WOT load is put on it that the problem can be seen. Also, reving
the engine will cause the pressure reading to INCREASE. This is due to the
pressure regulator located on the fuel rail. Its job is to keep the fuel pressure
to the fuel injectors CONSTANT. At idle engine vacuum in the intake manifold is
at maximum. Open the throttle and the vacumm reading will decrease. A decrease
in vacuum means the pressure in the mainfold is increasing. The output of the
fuel injecotors are in themanifold and they "see" this presssure. As themainifold
pressure increases more fuel pressure needs to be applied to the fuel injector to
maintain a constantpressure across the injector.(Known as Delta "P")
So when you rev the engine, the pressure is supposed to increaseand it will be
more than 2 or 3 psi but I can't say for sure how much as I have never done it
on a Jag

The only way to check WOT fuel pressure is to use an external pressure gauge
(NEVER put a fuel pressure gauge in the car!) that you can see while driving
the car. You would then find a safe area and do a few WOT blasts and see what
the pressure readings are. They should remain constant. A reading that drops
can indicate a pump problem or a clogged fuel filter.

Chris

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

Good points V6

Thermo..you said..How is that done..the throttle body on mine is electric motor driven by fly wire from the pedal VIA CPU..no cables..[&:]

But like I said,the Filter would be the best place to start..if it is plugged up, it will give low fuel pressures too..the Filter is located near the right rear tire..very easy to get at to remove..but be prepared to get a little gas on you....Have a look and see what you'll need then go get one from either a Jag dealer or from an Autoparts place.

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

Ok I know where the filter is and I apologize for all the newbie questions but do I do this when there is little gas in the car? do I need to jack the car up? take the wheel off? and is it just a simple twist off and put the new on one?

thanks!

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

No problem Hank..Questions are good, they serve everyone and those that didn't bother to ask.

So, the filter looks like a twisty fit into hoses with clamps type..and easy change out..I would Jack and prop the car up on the right rear side..Quanity in the tank will not make a difference.and look..maybe you won't have to remove the tire..


This picture should give you an idea of what to look for..

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b4...fuelfilter.jpg

RE: Engine keeps stalling?
 

The dealer said he couldn't actually see if the pump was bad unless it malfunctioned during a test. My friend only found out for sure when it went completely out which was about 3 or 4 weeks after it started cutting out on him. The code it threw was only for the instrument panel, not the pump and it was rather a generic code. I will ask him what it was. I guess this is some of the problems with the Jag, not having enough sensors in the right place. Since the pump has been changed he has had no problem art all!