1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE dying at stops.

Tiny
BOBBYLUCERO86
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
I have recently purchased a, 1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE, with a 2.4 liter Automatic Twin Cam engine, with 111,500 miles on it. I notice that when I come to a stop at lights or stopsigns the car loses power, and dies on me, I've noticed that it has more of a tendency to die when slowing down and making a turn, but once I put it back in park it starts up right away with no problem. The engine runs quiet and doesnt lose power normally. I had a diagnostic ran and had the crank sensor replaced, but it is still dying on me. I even cleaned the throttle bottle with throttle body and air intake cleaner. I dont think that its a weak ignition spark because the engine runs so sound. Is there anything else that could be a problem? Could the idle be set to low, or is it the fuel pump? I am at a loss and would appreciate any help u guys could give me. Thanx
Friday, June 15th, 2007 AT 9:24 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Could be the Idle Speed Control motor. They can work intermittently when on their way out
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Friday, June 15th, 2007 AT 4:56 PM
Tiny
BOBBYLUCERO86
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I wrote earlier about my 97 Pontiac sunfire. It is an automatic with a 2.4 liter twin cam engine. The problem of it dying at stops is still happening but has gotten worse and now dies completely randomly when starting to slow down, but still restarts but with much more difficulty, and will sometimes just crank even when parked and trying to start. When it does start the engine will shake almost violently and sometimes die although this is not alway's the case. When it does run the idle is very rough but only in between1200 and 1500 RPM's and when I put pressure on the gas pedal it will sometimes get to that RPM usage and then will die start to bog down. I have had the crank sensor, fuel filter, fuel pump, air filter, oil filter, and spark plugs all replaced. I have also cleaned out the throttle bore and air intake system. I still don't think it's a weak ignition spark, and if it is the Idle Control Motor how can I adjust the RPM's, and if I can't and need it to be replaced how much will it usually cost. Could it have anything to do with the crankshaft? There is no check enging light on so the problem wont show up on a diagnostic scan.I hope you can help me out and help me to fix this problem.
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Monday, November 19th, 2007 AT 5:17 PM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
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Its not a good idea to mess with the idle adjustment, the PCM wont like that and will set a light if it cant bring the idle down where it wants it. Those Quad-4 engines had a little bit of an issue with the coil housings, I only say this because you say it is missing on restart and sometimes wont start. Does it ever misfire on acceleration? The IAC motor can be removed and cleaned before you replace it, worth a shot. Use carb cleaner.
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2007 AT 7:37 AM
Tiny
BOBBYLUCERO86
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No it never misfires on acceleration. So what could be the problems with the coil housings and how much would they cost to replace. Thnx for the info so far. I don't mind paying a little money for repairs butI want to know that they will fix the problem.
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2007 AT 9:33 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
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Without anything solid to go on I cant promise anything, but I can tell you what I have seen. The housings are about 80-100. They are like the plug wires for your car.
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Tuesday, November 20th, 2007 AT 11:08 AM

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