Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Stall while driving

Hi,

I have a problem with my '99 Contour SVT. I recently installed my subwoofer and while driving to work today, the car stalled while accelerating (3500 rpm and above).

I have a few theories:
-It may be an engine kill from my Viper 690XV alarm system
-It may be that the subwoofer is pulling too much power from the battery
-Maybe the subwoofer's connections aren't correct (doubtful)

The battery's well connected so its not because there's a connection problem.
Also, when It stalled this morning, the radio was turned off and the remote wire is properly connected to the radio (Pioneer Mp3 player, can't remember the model #).

I'm looking for a place to start, so don't be shy with suggestions.
I've tried unhooking the subwoofer so I'll see if that helps tonight.

Thanks in advance

Rob

Fuel starvation?
Corrosion under the relay box?
Crank sensor?

IAC is only at issue whith foot off the gas pedal.

Tonight, while driving, the car stalled many times, for no reason, under acceleration or not and I have fully disconnected the subwoofer (from the battery AND the radio).

Disconnecting the battery and reconnecting is a quick fix. As soon as I disconnect and reconnect, car works fine and starts up on its own but will stall again in less than 10 mins.

I've noticed that when the car stalls, I cannot even start it on its own or a "push start". The battery needs to be disconnected and reconnected.

What does IAC mean?

The fuel pump has already been replaced lately.

Another thing I've noticed, when it stalls, or right when its about to stall, the red light on my center console that has CONTOUR molded on the plastic comes on steady.

My battery's power wire needs to be replaced as it has melted the plastic at the power connector's end (prior to having these problems) but this shouldn't be the cause of the problem as the car still runs fine. Even when stalled, the car still has power, I just can't start it.

There are no lights that turn on or flash to give me an idea of whats wrong, not even the check engine light.

Anyhoo, thats all I have noticed for now.

I appreciate the reply. Thanks

Rob

IAC is idle air control. Roger was saying it isn't an issue because your car stalls during acceleration, eliminating the IAC as the cause.

Thanks.

I took the car to my mechanic and we scanned the computer and guess what: no reported errors.

My mechanic suggested it had to be something electric since when I unplug and replug the battery, it forces the electronic system to recalibrate, which is why the car will start again. He's thinking it might be the Crank sensor module.

I had also mentionned to him that the car worked better and lasted longer between stalls when cold.

In case anyone else has the problem I found it:

I had a diablosport chip in the prom of my computer. When I removed it, everything worked fine.

I tried turning the chip off as well and the car never stalled... but it gave a hell of a jerk then worked until I revved again, not cool.

So I'm running without a chip AND my subwoofer's connected

The Contour "red light" is your PATS indicator light.. Your chip was likely causing pats to not allow the car to restart.

hook up your sub... that's not the problem...


Ray