My car is stalling out while driving. Any ideas why or help with diagnostic?

2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
70,000 MILES
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USERNAME373
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
When I am driving along and need to slow down or stop, I put in the clutch to downshift or brake and often my car will drop to 0 RPM and my power steering shuts off too. Then the battery and oil lights come on. I drive a 2003 Sunfire - Standard 5 speed with 2.2L ecotec engine. It doesn't happen every time, some times it just dips down to 200-500RPM for a few seconds before returning to 1000RPM, and some times it doesn't fail at all. Any tips on how to fix this/what it might be?

I've tried cleaning the throttle body, it worked fine for a few days then started acting up again.
Sep 25, 2011 at 1:42 AM
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RIVERMIKERAT
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 6,110 POSTS
Run a quality fuel system cleaner through the tank. Check for vacuum leaks. Verify proper IAF/Map/MAF sensor operation. Check the fuel pressure under the conditions you're experiencing the issue; run the engine up to around 2000-2500 RPM, let off the gas, and check the pump pressure at the regulator.
Sep 25, 2011 at 3:22 AM
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