Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting died while driving

160,000 miles- Just had my LCAs replaced, tie rod ends, bushings, BAT euro kit installed driving my 2.5 MTX home from the mechanic and after 15 miles the engine goes dead. I glide into a gas station and the engine will turn over barely but it sounds very weak. Radio, windows all are strong. No warning lights or CEL. Wiring harness is starting to look pretty cracked all over. Battery is 6 months old.

I did my search and I suspect the alternator but I'm not sure. Not sure if it's a cooincidence with the recent work done or a cause.

Any ideas?

sounds like same problem i had few days ago. alternator died!!! you got a system in the car?

If you mean a crazy loud sound system, no. A few years back I upgraded the speakers to polk audios and a 40w Sony cd deck.

Fast forward 5 hours...Just went to check on the car to meet the tow truck. The car started on it's own although it was very rough. Now I have a very loud ticking, knocking coming from the serpentine belt area. Too dark to see what it is at the moment. Drove it home (1.5 miles), engine runs strong but the ticking, knocking is pretty loud.

Did some more searching and now I'm suspecting the air compressor. 3 weeks ago the A/C died was going to find the leak and recharge but maybe the clutch has seized up. Any thoughts out there?

Could I have stressed out the serp belt without completely snapping it and would this cause the car to stall and not start back up?

As an aside...How much should an alternator and installation run?

Alright today's a new day. The knocking is coming from the center of the engine. Sound like the middle of the UIM. Valves or cam or both or worse?

It might be time for a 3.0L swap.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

If this turns out to be economically unfeasible anyone interested in a virtually brand new suspension. BAT Euro kit, 19mm BAT rear sway bar with new links & bushings, new 4 bolt LCAs, tie rod ends, links, rotors.