My sister has a '97 850 GLT. She says her car stalled twice while she was driving to work without warning. She was able to restart the car after the first time, but it quickly shut off again after she started driving. Also, for the past couple months she's had a fast oil leak that apparently drains the oil to dangerously low levels. Is there a sensor that kills the engine when there's insufficient oil pressure or something? She lives in another state, so I can't actually take a look at the car. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

they probably are not related. I'd guess that the stalling issue is related to the ignition switch - its a somewhat known problem on the 850. as for the oil leak, it would be best for her to take it to a shop so that they can diagnose WHERE the leak is, then fix it.

 

She did that when she got the car towed to the shop. Apparently it was the oil cooler lines that were leaking. She's since gotten the car back, but for whatever reason she didn't tell the mechanic about the stalling problem (she told the tow truck driver though, lol). I told her to go to autozone to borrow a diagnostic tool and see if any codes pop up, but I doubt she'll do it. In case she does though, where is the OBD port located?

 

The OBD port is just infront of the shifter under the ashtray.
The stalling might be a fuel pump relay going bad.

 

I was just reading up on that fuel pump relay issue. Would a code get thrown for that? If not, how would you test to see if it's bad?

 

No a code will not show up for it.
I always open the relay and check for bad solder joints.

 

If it does turn out to be the relay, let me know and I can send you one or send it directly to your sister. The dealership charges about 60 bucks for one. mine would be free.

 

Thanks! I really appreciate the offer! I'll have her look for the relay box, pull the #103 and take a picture for me.

 

As tech said, its most likely your fuel pump relay. It could also be your fuel pump starting to crap out....mine started to start and stall and eventually it just died and I had to replace the fuel pump. I have also seen the MAF cause a stalling issue in certain cases that I could repeat. I unplugged the MAF and if the car stayed running, I knew it was the MAF. It also didnt throw any codes when that happend strange enough.

Good luck

 

So my sister's car stalled last Thursday and apparently she wasn't able to start it again. It's been in the shop since then. They're saying it's the MAF sensor and they want $673 for that job. Sounded steep to me. What do you guys think? I really wish I was over there so I could just swap in a good used one for the time being. She probably won't have the car for more than another year.

Also, they didn't fix the oil leak. Turns out it's the rear main seal. Don't know why they didn't catch that the first time.

 

$673 is ridiculous for that job. The maf sensor can be had from FCP for like $150 and they only take 2 screws to remove.

 

Yeah, I agree. Unless that's what they go for at the dealer (which I doubt), that's a BS price. They shouldn't charge more than an hour for labor.

Still, my parents might just bite the bullet and pay for it. Even if she had a spare sensor she could swap in, I'm not sure she'd be willing to do it. I left her some basic tools, but she really hates getting her hands dirty. We'll see though.

 

Way to steep!!!!

 

seriously dude, let me just send her one. I'm sure she could put it in herself. it's 2 torx security bits and one plug. Plus, its right on top of the air intake.

 

Again, I really appreciate the offer. But my dad talked to the mechanic and got the price down (not much, it's still highway robbery) and he already authorized the work. I know how easy of a job it is, but my sister really can't afford any more downtime. Plus, just getting her to check the relay was like pulling teeth.

Anyway, thanks for your help, guys. Hopefully the car doesn't give her any more trouble. If she doesn't keep it, I'll probably end up buying it from her and just drive it back. So you may see me around. Thanks again.