Ford Fiesta (R REG) switching off when standing still?

[xalice_92x]

i own a 1998 fiesta zetec s, it shakes every know and again and goes quiet like it is going to switch off but then goes back to normal, until yesterday it did it and then the engine just switched off and the dashboard light up asif i had stalled the car? any ideas on what it could be?

[AlBags]

Does the engine/tickover go rough, slow and lumpy before it stalls?
Or does it stop like turned off on the key?

[Hopkirk]

Has it been serviced recently?

[Answerprancer]

Looks like either the timing is out or you need to remove and inspect the spark plugs (clean them and adjust the gaps if necessary).

[TWR]

T C Valve needs cleaning. fire some carb cleaner into it.

[AlBags]

Timing is electronic
Plugs do not cause an engine to just die when ticking over.

Clean throttle body with carb cleaner
Clean Idle speed control unit with carb cleaner
Check TPS sensor on throttle body is giving correct output.
Disconnect battery for 5 mins and reconnect
Run engine at idle for 5 mins
Run again and monitor.

[Answerprancer]

I stand corrected AIbags :-) ps. any tips on doing the head gasket on a Merc 190e gratefully received (I'm about to attempt it myself).

[AlBags]

Only ever had head off a 6-cyl Merc, sorry.

I take it it's not a Cozzy engined one.
Best take a look here then ...
http://wiki.answers.c..._a_1987_Mercedes_190e

[Answerprancer]

Nope -not Cozzie (1992 1.8 4-pot) thanks for the link - I'll keep the details for reference.