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Stalling problem Please help!

Tiny
G_S21
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD TAURUS
  • AUTOMATIC
My car (99 Ford Taurus) stalls when sitting idle for a while in the cold- right when changing gear to reverse. It restarted after pumping the gas. I have a new alternator and battery, and no corrosion on the terminals. What could be the problem?
Monday, December 13th, 2010 AT 1:44 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
First, check for vacuum leaks. Also, check the idle air control valve located on the throttle body. Let me know if there are check engine lights on.

Joe
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Monday, December 27th, 2010 AT 3:33 AM
Tiny
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Thanks for you help, My check engine light isn't on, I cleaned the iac using carburator cleaner. I don't see any problems with my hoses. One looked like I was leaking water, a slight drip, but I adjusted it and it stopped. How can I check for leaks without taking it in? The stalling problem still happens though. And usually its just my first start. Once the car changes gear the first time and doesn't stall, I don't get any problems from it. For the rest of the day.
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Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 3:09 PM
Tiny
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A vacuum leak won't leak water. Basically, the engine produces vacuum when it runs. The vacuum is used to operate different components on the vehicle. These lines are aboit 1/2" in diameter and sometimes break, come disconnected, or dry rot. When that happens, a leak ocurrs and a stalling problem usually results.
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Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
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Oh ok I got you, but how do I check for a vaccum problem?
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Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
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Basically, you need to inspect the hoses under the hood for damage. It isn't the easiest thing to find them, but try this. Open the hood and start the engine. If there is a vacuum leak, you may get lucky and hear a hissing sound from the leak. There are other ways to check; however, it requires the use of starting fluid or carb cleaner. It can be dangerous because both are flamable.
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Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
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Ok, I haven't noticed any aire hoses being damaged. A friend of mine said it might also be an issue with the torque positioning. My only this is with both potential issues. Why would it work fine the rest of the day and only be a problem on my first start?
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Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
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Let me ask a question first. When it is cold and at an idle, does it run smooth or have a rough idle? Also, when you put it in reverse, does the vehicle jump before it stalls or do the RPM's just slowly drop to 0?
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Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 AT 11:01 PM

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