Q: Lost all power to the wheels driving on the highway

asked by on October 29, 2015

I have a 2011 Ford F-150 Super Crew Ecoboost V6, automatic transmission, with 70,500 miles. I was on the highway attempting to pass another vehicle when the engine started shuddering, I lost power and the check engine light flashed. Then the engine ran so rough that I could not accelerate at all because I was afraid I'd stall. I barely made it around the car I was passing. After a few minutes the check engine light came and any attempt to speed up beyond 60-65mph caused the engine to shake violently and the check engine light to flash. I limped home like this. What's happening?

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Where is the auxiliary jack located?
Your audio system is pretty advanced, even if your car doesn’t have the multi-information display. It’s capable of playing music from another source – all you have to do is connect the other device with a cable to the auxiliary...
Misfiring issue. How do I fix this?
If the car is misfiring then it will generate a code on the computer. I would have a mechanic pull the codes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-misfiring-inspection) to determine where the problem is coming from. A misfire can be caused by a bad coil...
Driver's side door won't open
If the driver side door will not open then most of the time this is caused by a broken door latch that should be repalaced (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/door-latch-replacement). If neither handle works then the latch is broken inside of the door or...
Car radiator is not holding coolant
A simple coolant leak can turn into bigger problems. The source of the leak will need to be determined and repaired. Most of the time coolant leaks externally, but it can leak into the engine, or even into the transmission...
Can I drive my car with code po430 code
A P0430 code indicates the catalyst efficiency has fallen off. If there are no other codes indicating misfires and if the check engine light is not blinking, you should be OK to drive your car. If you have trouble scheduling...
Can driving your car in ocean water affect mpg
Hi there: Anytime you drive in salt water, it can cause serious damage to electrical components, suspension components or any seals, gaskets or rubber parts. Even if you wash it off quickly, saltwater can collect on electrical sensors that impact...
recall rear axle pinion nut
Hello there, the recall for your 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 only covers adding a retention device to the rear differential pinion nut. This does not require draining the fluid from the differential or opening the rear cover. The differential fluid...
Car hesitates to start
Vibration (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-shaking-pulsating-or-vibrating-inspection) may be caused by many different things such as faulty spark plugs, poor fuel pressure or misfires. Other things such as a faulty idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) may cause the engine idle to drop below the normal...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Buick Lucerne
2011 2011 marked the final year of production for the Buick Lucerne, a venerable full-sized sedan that offers ample room in the interior. The car was noted for the significant amount of interior space and trunk space offered, although it...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Families
If If it’s time for you to search for the top used cars specifically for families, check out the list we’ve put together of the top five. The list of must-haves Typical items that families are looking for in their...
How to Make a Truck Bed Couch
There There are few things as fun, or as iconic, as going to a drive-in movie. And yet, for as fun as drive-in movies are, they pose some simple problems. If you stay inside your vehicle, your vision is impaired...