I will be driving along and all of a sudden the engine shuts off. Right before this happens I hear a loud clicking noise, sounds like a relay cycling very fast then the engine shuts off. After coming to a full stop and putting it in park I can start the car right back up with no issues. I can drive for a few days and not have this problem then on some days it will happen several times. When the engine stops I also lose all electrical power. The radio, HVAC, etc. all reset like the battery cable had been removed.

I never started having this problem until I replaced the MAF sensor. I was experiencing a very rough idle when the engine was cold so I replaced the MAF and that took care of the rough idle problem. Not sure if this is just a coincidence or the two are related.

Does anyone have any ideas what the problem might be?

2003 X-Type 2.5 AWD

 

I'd go for unrelated.

Chase power & ground - cables, connections, relays.

 

Hi Jim.
Next time this happens check the main earth cable from the battery to see if it is very hot. These battery cables are known for breaking down internally right where the lugs are attached. Or it could be where the cable attaches to the body with corrosion on the connection. Could well be the problem.
Hope this helps.

Alan in sunny Malta (really nice bright sunny day to-day.)

 

Sounds like the CPS is on its way out. Easy and cheap repair.

 

Sounds like the CPS is on its way out. Easy and cheap repair. Wouldn't explain HVAC reset however.

 

What is CPS?

 

Crankshaft position sensor. My now former X-Type began to stall during warm-up - as if ignition key was switched off - and it was occurring with increasing frequency. Chased problem for months: thought it was throttle body or circuitry, ignition issue, etc. Never set a code or CEL.

Frustrated, I removed sensor and saw that it was cracked, allowing engine oil to ground-out magnetic pulse. It's located adjacent to crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer on rear of engine accessible from passenger side wheel well. Easy to change. Solved problem.

 

I paid $1200 for a nice Suzuki Intruder 1400cc with problem like that. I retightened ground going to ignition module and price went up to $2500.

 

Bingo

Found that the positive connection on the battery was just loose enough to allow the engine to die. Odd that nothing reset like the clock etc. and the car always started right back up. Live and learn.

 

Yes, weird - but good to hear you found it!