Hard start, rough idle

[Melon]

Twice now, the Taurus has died at an intersection. The 2nd time, it had a heck of a time restarting and ran rough the rest of the way home.

Starter, battery, or something else? I'm kinda stumped on where to start.

Before anyone asks - I haven't checked for codes and I know I should, but I'm trying to think simple here.

 

[Fordlover96]

Check the codes But really, sounds like the classic signs of a bad CrankShaft Sensor. When the codes are read, it will either confirm or disprove that theory. As for the hard starting, did the engine crank normally, but it just wouldnt turn over? Or did it crank slowly?

 

[Melon]

I believe it was cranking normally. I was more concerned about getting it started and out of the busy intersection. Both times it has happened, it starts on the first try and then dies when I put it back in gear and go. Second time takes more work, but does eventually start.

 

[rubydist]

it could be any number of things (at least 5 different possibilities) from your description.

simple is to run the codes so you know what to look for instead of having people guess online.