1997 Chevy Cavalier engine stalling

Tiny
JROMAJUSA
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 132,256 MILES
My car start ok but when I put it in gear the engine stalls.
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 AT 7:46 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Is service engine soon light on?
Do you have diagnostic trouble codes
check intake for vacuum leak
check idle air control valve
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
JROMAJUSA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Engine service light is not on, I will check the other vacum, and idle control valve.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
JROMAJUSA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I forgot to mention that yesterday when I drove home it was shifting a little rough
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 AT 8:52 PM
Tiny
JROMAJUSA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No visible vacum leaks, Idle control valve looks OK.
Any other suggestions
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 AT 11:37 PM
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
With out codes the check list grows longer
I suspected bad idle air control valve
and I would still clean it and check and clean the throttle too
check for pending codes
this is the check list for stalling with out codes

Check following items:
Ensure throttle linkage and/or TP sensor is not sticking or binding. Ensure throttle bore is free of foreign material.
Check for vacuum leaks.
Check engine idle speed (both base idle and PCM idle).
Check Idle Air Control (IAC) system. Check for vacuum leak or high idle. Check for water contaminated fuel, correct fuel pressure or a restricted injector. Check for foreign material in IAC bore of throttle body. Check for proper connection of IAC valve electrical connector. Check for failure of A/C compressor or relay.
Check for proper operation of EGR system.
Check Transaxle Range (TR) switch circuit. Ensure TR switch is properly adjusted.
Check power steering pressure switch operation.
Check charging system output. Repair charging system if voltage is less than 9 volts or more than 17 volts.
Check for fuel in pressure regulator vacuum hose. If fuel is present, replace regulator.
Check evaporative emission control system.
Check for proper spark plug gap, and check engine compression.
Check PCM grounds for clean and tight connections.
Check A/C signal to PCM. If problem exists only when A/C is on, check A/C system operation and pressures.
Check for broken motor mounts.
Ensure the installed PROM and/or PCM is correct for that particular vehicle. Check with dealer for latest application information.
Check MAP or MAF sensor for proper operation.
Check oxygen sensor operation. Check for silicone contamination or incorrect RTV sealant.
Check for excessive fuel additives.
Check for shorted or open injector windings.
Check for leaking injectors. Perform INJECTOR BALANCE TEST in the SYSTEM/COMPONENT TESTS article.
Check injector harness locations. Ensure injectors are connected to correct injector/cylinder according to firing order.
If rough idle only occurs when engine is hot, check crankcase ventilation valve operation. Check for manifold vacuum at inlet end of crankcase vent tube assembly with engine idling.
Check ignition system. Check for moisture, dust, cracks, burns, etc. Check for shorts by spraying spark plug wires with a fine water mist. Check ignition wires for shorts and faulty insulation.
Check to see if condition is caused by engine running either rich or lean.
Check air injection system.
Check for worn camshaft or weak valve springs.
Check engine coolant temperature sensor for proper temperature-to-resistance values.
Check exhaust system for restrictions, such as a damaged or collapsed pipe, muffler or catalytic converter.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 AT 5:44 AM
Tiny
JROMAJUSA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hey guys the Idle air control valve was the right call. I replace it and that took care of the problem. Thank you for your help.

JRO
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 AT 12:53 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links