Car shut off randomly today

[ancientsanskrit]

Car: 1998 SE 2.5L V6, atx w/ 117k miles

Was driving on the highway and came on an off-ramp, and was stuck in a red light. I decided to let the tranny cool and placed it in neutral at the light. I was playing some music and didn't realize but the car shut off (similar to stalling out in a manual transmission). Placed it in Park and it started, no problem.

I do have a CEL, last I checked the precats are crapping out, was getting the 420 code. Haven't checked in about 4/5 months. Also, one of the cylinders is holding bad compression, and I believe the fuel pump is on it's way out.

This car has several issues so I'm basically driving it till it falls apart.
I don't want to put a dime into the car, so just looking for suggestions on what I can do to address this.

I plan to 1.) Clean IAC 2.) Change spark plug in bad cylinder (It was pretty bad last time I checked it). 3.) Check voltage of vehicle-We changed the alternator out just about 4/5 months ago.

Any other suggestions/remedies w/o paying any dinero? Appreciate the help guys.

 

[Tony2005]

Clean the Throttle Body.

 

[Heywood]

Ignore and see if it happens again
Has worked for me on a few occasions.

 

[ancientsanskrit]

Thanks guys. Heh, dude above me, the car is an automatic, you probably just stalled the vehicle since I presume you are talking in regards to your SVT (manual). :crazy:

Tony, why do you think it's the TB? I was in neutral, shouldn't even be opening. I mean it's an easy thing to do while I'm cleaning the IAC, but I don't see how this could have been the culprit. Perhaps I'm missing something?

 

[Heywood]

Uhhh OK. Seriously, unless its happened before there's a fair chance its a one off.
Is the problem repeatable?

 

[smokedya95stang]

check the iac valve measure it with a volt meter.
If the car randomly shuts off like that when its hot its usually the iac.

But you should get electrical cleaner clean that and the MAF.
Also try cleaning the throttle plate and maybe some seafoam through the vacuum system may help. Try changing the fuel filter too.

 

[Tony2005]

...Tony, why do you think it's the TB? I was in neutral, shouldn't even be opening. I mean it's an easy thing to do while I'm cleaning the IAC, but I don't see how this could have been the culprit. Perhaps I'm missing something?

It was more of a "free" item to do (since you have covered most of the others). And in the off chance that you have a leak there (loose clamp or what nots), taking it out, cleaning it, and then replacing it might help sort out the leak. Random stalling for Automatics (in neutral) are usually related to vacuum leaks.