Random Stalling PLEASE HELP!

97woodward · Apr 8, 2008

Ok, Ive mentioned this issue before but it just happened again today about an hour ago at a crowded stoplight. This has happened since Ive owned the car and I cant keep replacing different components that I am told might work, its getting really expensive.

The problem is getting progressively worse but not throwing any check engine lights. The car is an automatic and randomly stalls out while im at a stop sign or stoplight. About 5 seconds after coming to a stop it will just shut off, the radio will continue to play but it will shut off completely. Ive replaced the IAC valve already, still no luck. After the car stalls out its just a matter of waiting, it will fire right back up after about 10-15min of sitting (however the time it takes to start back up is beginning to take longer). Once it stalls I will turn the key and it almost starts but never quite makes it. I just have to wait it out everytime, but its making driving my car pretty nerve racking. When i got my tune done last month my mechanic said he raised the idle a bit, but that isnt helping either.

I dont want to go through every possible thing and replace everything it could be, that would be too expensive for me. Ive heard that cleaning the IAT (i think thats what its called) with a soft brush may solve this. Does this seem like it could work? And if so how would i do this? I have no idea where this sensor is and how I would clean it.

Any help is appreciated!

Jrgunn5150 · Apr 8, 2008

Have you check the fuel cut-off switch in the trunk? I forget it's technical name, but that's exactly what it does when it's bad.

Bluesn95 · Apr 8, 2008

Those IAT's are cheap, like 15 bucks. Replace it if you want but it sounds like you have a problem with your fuel delivery/system. Maybe you ran crappy fuel for awhile and got trach in the fllter/injectors. Since you said it takes awhile to start it back up thats my guess. Go replace the fuel filter if you haven't allready (you're supposed to do it once a year). If it was your IAT sencor I'm pretty sure it would throw a code in the computer. Sounds like your starter/alternator/battery are fine.

97woodward · Apr 8, 2008

Yeah I got a full tuneup to try an solve this problem. I did pretty much everything maintenance wise I could think of. I replaced the fuel filter and got the fuel system cleaned (I had midas do it, they have some machine that does it). I also have ran a bottle of that Lucas Fuel system cleaner as well, still no luck.

I have an optima battery, and I have checked out my alternator. Not sure on the starter though. I am really out of ideas. Whenever i am ranking on the key trying to start it though, it does make a very strange smell. Im not sure if its a fuel related smell that its putting out but i dont think its trans fluid or oil.

That being said what are some other options as far as fuel problems go? And any other suggestions are appreciated also

Bluesn95 · Apr 11, 2008

Now to think about it, you may have a vacuum leak. Maybe a crack in a vacuum hose or a warped/cracked npi intake. Get some B12 and pop the hood and let your car idle. Spray some of the b12 around vacuum lines/hoses and the intake manifold. If the car starts to idle higher with the spray, you have a vacuum leak.

97woodward · Apr 12, 2008

yeah I was told to check that before I bought a new TPS sensor. Ive got my EGR system replaced about a year ago, stalling still happening after the new one went in.

So where exactly would i spray the B12? The car is an automatic, so should i have someone in the car while its in drive with their foot on the brake while I spray the B12?

Jrgunn5150 · Apr 13, 2008

You can do it with the car in park.

Have you checked the fuel cutoff switch in the trunk yet?

Bluesn95 · Apr 13, 2008

With spraying b12 you just let the car idle in park. Just spray it around vacuum hoses, the intake manifoly,and throttle body area. If the rpms go up a little do to your spraying, you have a vacuum leak.