Q: I own a 2002 Ford Sport Trac with a V-6 engine. Once in a while it will completely shut down while driving at 25 to 45 mph. When this happens, I lose the power steering and power brakes. That’s dangerous. I can restart it by shifting into neutral and cranking. It has occurred occasionally for several years. It may go several months without happening and then do it five or times in succession. My mechanic replaced the fuel pump, but that didn’t help. It usually happens right after I have filled the gas tank. Any idea why this happens?
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— P.J., Orlando, Fla.
A: We have heard some discussion about this issue, but cannot find any technical service bulletins. The general consensus is that the problem may be due to liquid slugging of the emissions control vapor canister. This makes some sense since it occurs after refueling. It may be caused by pumping more fuel after the nozzle has clicked off. After the engine reaches operating temperature, the canister is purged of its vapors to prepare itself for when you shut off the engine. Drawing liquid instead of vapors may be the cause of the stalling. Don’t top off the tank and see if the problem goes away.
Q: My 2013 Ford Escape had a safety recall regarding the restraints control module developing a short circuit over time. My local Ford dealer replaced the control module and a sensor for the air bag. Within several days the air bag light would come on and off. I returned to the dealer and they wanted to charge me a diagnostic fee to find the problem. I explained I did not have a problem until they serviced the vehicle for the recall. I feel they should have corrected the problem without an additional fee. Is this related to the safety recall work, or is it a separate issue? I am willing to pay for the repairs if it is a separate issue, but I feel it is recall related and the dealer should stand behind their work.
— J.G., Allentown, Pa.
A: We can’t know for sure if this warning light is a result of the control module swap out, but it sure seems coincidental. It could be as simple as a loose connector not making full contact. Yes, the dealer should check it out as a courtesy since the techs there were the last to touch it.
Q: Recently I had my 2012 Ford Escape with 23,000 miles in for a checkup, oil change, etc. at my local Ford dealer. Everything was OK including the brakes. However, I was then told that I should have brake caliper slide pins cleaned and lubed, and also have a brake fluid flush. Was this appropriate at this low mileage? I declined this for now until I got more information.
— R.S., DeKalb, Ill.
A: We cannot give you a hard and fast answer about the caliper slide pins, but if the calipers are not moving back and forth as they should, uneven brake pad wear is usually the telltale sign. If the pins are extremely rusty, the caliper(s) may not move much at all causing either poor braking or dragging brakes. So we think the pins are probably OK. As for the brake fluid flush, ask for proof. The only proof we accept is the color of the “Brake Strip” test strip. It is like litmus paper for brake fluid.
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