Car shuts off while driving

[SHOGUN1989]

My 1989 SHO shut off on me while driving at 50 miles an hour. The check engine light came on and it would not turn over when I tried to restart it. It restarted after 50 mins. I had in the shop for two days and diagnostics came up with nothing. Has anyone had this problem and if so what could be done for a fix.

 

[mrecoolgar]

CPS - crank position sensor.
Your described symptoms indicate cps failure.

 

[someguy35]

CPS - crank position sensor.
Your described symptoms indicate cps failure.

This is exactly it. I had the same thing happen to my 93. Battery and all electrical worked, just wouldn't fully turn over.

 

[SHOGUN1989]

Thank you mrecoolgar and someguy35. Can I get the part now at a regular ford dealer? or do I have to special order the part through after market SHO stores? Thanks again guys!!

 

[93markVIII]

the CPS isn't SHO specific. we pulled one of an 89 cougar xr7 the other day.
oreillys, advance, and autozone all have them on their website.

ford part number: E9SZ12A112A
tascaparts.com still lists it as available.

 

[SHOdded]

Make sure the water pump hasn't leaked out all over the sensor, causing the failure. It is common to do both water pump and sensor if water pump has not been replaced in quite a while, just because you have everything apart already.

 

[snowwind1990]

now now remember my 1989 on the trip to Cal. did the same thing and it was the fuel filter.......then it did it again and it was the ethanol and warm temps that caused the stall and wait for reset.......26 times in 136 miles.......

Marlene and Snowwind1990


This too was the early failure of the water pump...........ouch,

 

[RonPorter]

Sounds like the typical CPS. AFAIK, I was the first to get this back in '90, and not even the Ford dealer figured it out......until ALL the other ignition parts were replaced!!

I was ready to torch the car at that point!!

 

[snowwind1990]

Apology

Indeed, indeed,....the water pump is a culprit to be reckoned with. Tux has been subjected to the awful spew and stumble legacy of the leaking pump that fouls the CPS sensor temporarily. The heat dries the sensor, then you are good to go.. No fuel related delivery this time. I humbly submit I diagnosed incorrectly and stand before you wrong. I have never been subjected to this well know failure of the h2o pump in 23 years of SHOownership............I feel your pain.
drip.
drip.
drip.

 

[RonPorter]

Personally, I don't buy the "water pump leaking" theory.

The unit is sealed. I had the water pump done at a 60K YEARS after the first CPS died, and the WP they pulled out still wasn't leaking. But I had it replaced anyway.

 

[SHOGUN1989]

Well guys, I've changed the CPS and the Fuel Filter and after a few days of running great the car started to do the same. It stalled for a few seconds while I was driving at 65 mph with the check engine light and then started back while still driving. This is driving me nuts. The water pump is not leaking and the car otherwise runs great. What do you guys think I should try next? I've had my 89 SHO for 20 years and she's been a reliable beast to me all these years. Thank you guys for all your help!!