mx5_97_turbo

My 1998 is continuing to have stalling problems after replacing the IAC, mass air sensor, full tune up w/new plugs&wires, new fuel filter, and a trans rebuild all at 58K miles. I'm at my wits end with this POS car. The engine dies while ilding or cruising with no warning. It doesn't restart immediately most of the time, but will usually restart within a few minutes and run at least long enough to park it somewhere close by. I noticed that occassionally when it stalls, shaking the key while the ignition is turned on but the engine is not started, the car will seem to turn on and off, but this isn't all the time. Additionally, I took the car to a ford dealer and they said there was a code that came up saying something similar to "Alarm armed engine shutdown" but could not offer me a fix.

Can anybody please help me with this issue. I've already spent over $2000 trying to solve this problem. Thanks.

starcam

Maybe a flakey transponder key or whatever receives the signal,? computer?. It almost sounds like the car thinks it's being stolen and anti theft is kickin in.

Deannostang

Simple, take it to your local Ford Dealer and have it scoped on their equipment. You can save a lot of time and much $$$ not spinning your wheels trying to dope out a solution. They should be able to get all the readings on your whole system. I suspect you may have at least one or more oxygen sensors going bad. I eventually replaced all four (4) of mine on my '98 GT to get it to run properly. This was after having to install a new MAF due to chemical contamination. Ford has a bulletin on this problem. If your MAF dies due to the chemical contamination thing, your upper O2 sensors die also. Bet that is your problem. Your car will NEVER run right if the O2 sensors are going south on you. Hint: ONLY BUY FORD PARTS! Many of the aftermarket O2 sensors are crap.