spoongirl
12-15-2004, 02:20 PM
Hello. I'm new to the forum but figured I would run this past the group.
Today my 2003 Protege stalled when I was stopped at a red light. Last night was the coldest night we've had this year (well below freezing) and the car still hadn't really warmed up when it happened. The check engine light came on at the same time as it stalled. It wouldn't start again; the engine didn't even turn over when I turned the key. some guy pushed it off the road for me, and about 10-20 minutes later i got it to start again.
So i took it to the dealership and they've now told me that the battery charge was suspiciously low, so they're replacing it (under warranty). They also said my transmission fluid was dirty, and they recommended servicing the transmission and cleaning the fuel injectors (all to the tune of $220 plus tax). They said this was routine stuff that I probably should've done by now. (the fuel injectors at 15,000; the transmission every 12 months or so). i've had the car for about 14 months, bought it new; it's got around 18-19,000 miles (mostly city miles). They were unable to replicate the stall.
Well, I told them to go ahead and do it, but after consulting w/ an excellent mechanic i know (who unfortunately lives a coupla thousand miles away) i think they might be taking me for a ride.
Anyways, dealership shenanigans aside, has anyone out there experienced this sort of thing? can anyone recommend anything i should do besides what i'm already doing? i'm kind of worried that this might happen again at night or something when i'm driving through a less savory part of town. the car seemed to be running fine seconds before it stalled.
thanks in advance for any advice.
~spoongirl
Today my 2003 Protege stalled when I was stopped at a red light. Last night was the coldest night we've had this year (well below freezing) and the car still hadn't really warmed up when it happened. The check engine light came on at the same time as it stalled. It wouldn't start again; the engine didn't even turn over when I turned the key. some guy pushed it off the road for me, and about 10-20 minutes later i got it to start again.
So i took it to the dealership and they've now told me that the battery charge was suspiciously low, so they're replacing it (under warranty). They also said my transmission fluid was dirty, and they recommended servicing the transmission and cleaning the fuel injectors (all to the tune of $220 plus tax). They said this was routine stuff that I probably should've done by now. (the fuel injectors at 15,000; the transmission every 12 months or so). i've had the car for about 14 months, bought it new; it's got around 18-19,000 miles (mostly city miles). They were unable to replicate the stall.
Well, I told them to go ahead and do it, but after consulting w/ an excellent mechanic i know (who unfortunately lives a coupla thousand miles away) i think they might be taking me for a ride.
Anyways, dealership shenanigans aside, has anyone out there experienced this sort of thing? can anyone recommend anything i should do besides what i'm already doing? i'm kind of worried that this might happen again at night or something when i'm driving through a less savory part of town. the car seemed to be running fine seconds before it stalled.
thanks in advance for any advice.
~spoongirl