Why would a car stall when idling at a stop light?

Answer 1

If the car runs fine while driving and cuts off ONLY when you are idling (foot completely off the gas pedal and RPM's at idle speed) then your idle air control valve my need adjusting or need to be replaced, or idle air passage make have been blocked off by excessive carbon build-up. If build-up is the problem, a good removal and cleaning will do the trick or an off the shelf spray cleaner may get the job done as well.

Could also be clogged fuel injection system. Try a fuel treatment with a full tank of gas.if a older model GM front wheel drive it could be the lock-up solenoid on the transmission. or it could be a stopped up catalytic converter on about any make and model.

First thing id do is check and change the fuel filter, its usually checked by blowing air through it (in the arrow direction) if no air flows through or it blows through slowly then its more than likely plugged change it and go from there. sometimes after all avenues have been followed and the problem still exists i have seen the sock on the fuel pump be plugged and do the same. it will run great while accelerating but stall at idle due to not enough fuel pressure.

It could be a problem with the car not getting enough fuel, or it may have something to do with one or more of the sensors, such as the Mass Airflow Sensor. Is your check engine light on? If it is then its most likely a faulty or dirty sensor.

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Please chect the EGR valve to see if it is stuck open with a chunk of carbon. This will cause an internal vacumn leak and the car will not idle. To test the EGR valve (Exhaust Gas recirculation) pull it off and try to blow thru it. Also look to see if the EGR pintle is seated. If the car you are having the problem with is a Chrysler then the plate that seals the EGR will likely be completely missing. The fuel filter will not cause this problem as the fuel demand at idle is very low. A clogged Catalytic Converter will also not cause this problem.

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AGREE! well kinda because i know for fact Catalytic Converter is not going to make your car do that. The most common reasons are :Idle Air Control Valve, Mas Air Flow Sensor or the EGR valve. Make sure the throttle body is clean. Use only Throttle Body Cleaner. Check your Air Filter make sure its not dirty. And try to Flush your engine every 100,000 miles.

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If you are having problems with starting your car, the car stoles on you as you drive or come to a stop sing, the serive engine lights are on, then you have a problem with 2 sensors, camshaft & crankshaft. You need to replace them both. If you take to a mechaniv shop or dealeriship it will cost you between $300-$500.

I and a bunch of my friends had same problem. I fixed my car and my friends car, and then friends of my friends started to call and I began to fix this problem for them at 50% cost less than of a shop/dealer.

If you live in Toronto or GTA, please call me now at 647-831-2102 . The car must be cold in order to work on it, so it is better that I come to your place. It is a dangerous problem and you should fix it right away.

Call now 647-831-2102

Terry

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I had this same problem in my 1992 Buick LeSabre several years ago. The problem is: Fuel Pressure Regulator. The reason this happens is that when driving at highway speeds, your engine reguires more gas. There should only be a vapor at low speed or idle. When the fuel pressure regulator is At Fault, too much gas is being dispensed, flooding your engine. My mechanic only charged me $100 for the part, but did not charge labor because it was easy to get to it. I went to Riches Auto in Tipton, IA and John fixed the issue. I took the car to European Automotive in Rolling Meadows twice and paid $80 both times, but he could not diagnose the problem. As a result, I have always gone to John at Riches Automotive. Anyway, check and replace the fuel pressure regulator. Let me know how this gets resolved. Thanks.

Ben Dreyer 515-779-6015