98 Catera keeps cutting off once it gets warm Need Help

Toyzilla · #1 (**permalink**) 07-30-06, 06:32 PM

My 98 catera just started this 2 weeks ago. I was on my way home one evening when it just shut off. The battery was weak and I thought that might be it. But I replaced it and it still does it. The next time it did it it was a hot day, and I relized that the fans were not running. So I found out that the motor has a sensor that shuts the car down if it gets to hot. So I think this sensor also tells the fans to run when it gets warm. I wired the two outside fans to run off a switch, but even with the fans running the sensor still shutting the car down. Does anybody know were this sensor might be located. Thanks for any help.

bengsxr · #2 (**permalink**) 07-31-06, 11:48 AM

more then likely the problem your having is your crank shaft postion sensor. search for it there are about 100 post for it.

Cat-a-Tonic · #3 (**permalink**) 08-03-06, 01:11 PM

Did the engine temperature gauge read high? Did you get a "Check engine" light?
Have you had the DTC codes read?
Anyway the fans operate independantly of the ECM.
The primary cooling fan temp switch is located on the LH upper side of the rad.
The secondary cooling fan temp switch is located on the LH lower side of the rad. They operate through fuses, 40, 42, 50 and 52. Check them if your fans aren't working. Also relays K26, 28, 48, 52, 67 & 87 for the fans are located in the engine compartment ECM housing. See your owners manual , section 6 for locations.
In closing, I haven't found a temperature switch that will cut out the engine for any reason.
Good luck.

Cat-a-Tonic · #4 (**permalink**) 08-04-06, 09:15 PM

Toyzilla, check the thread on the first page from ZiaBD4 about the engine cutting out completely, like "Bengsxr" suggested, about the cam or crankshaft position sensor being faulty. Then rewire your temp switches for the fans!!

Toyzilla · #5 (**permalink**) 08-27-06, 07:03 PM

The temp guage hasn't worked sence I bought the car. I wired the fans to a toggle switch and even with them running and the rad cool enough to put your hand on it the car will still shut off. Let it set for about 15 - 20 minute's and it will start up and run for alittle while and shut off again. Dealershipe will charge me $65 to run dio. Then hopefully I will be able to fix thanks for your help. Know any reason the passenger rear window would keep breaking the plastic slide guilde. Once again thanks.

Cat-a-Tonic · #6 (**permalink**) 08-27-06, 09:19 PM

YA. What a rip-off!! I remember when I had to bring my Windstar in to the dealers to have a diagnostic done. And they charged me $60.00. I raised bloody hell right there in the dealership. there was no separation between the sales area and the service counter. Everybody heard my take on "why should we have to pay $60 bucks to the dealership to use a system that was installed for them???" I still had to pay, but a few people walked out of the store with me. My local garage has all the diagnostic equipment and reads error codes for free.
And I don't deal with the local Ford enterprise anymore.

As for the rear window. Replace the whole door if you can. Somethings has been bent out of alignment. Rear doors are easy to replace.

JerryO