Stalling

NANCYL

MEMBER
2008 MAZDA 3
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
124,000 MILES

My daughter's car would not start the other day. I jumped it with cables and it started. She drove it around a bit and it seemed okay. The car sat for two days without use and when she went to start it again, it would not start. I again jumped the car successfully and then drove to my auto parts store and asked them to check the battery. They said I had a bad cell and I needed a battery, so I bought one and they installed it. After installation the car started right up, but now it will not stay running. The minute I take my foot off the accelerator, the car stalls. Any suggestions until I can get to the mechanic on Tuesday (its a holiday weekend)?
Sincerely,
Nancy Lekanides

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,744 POSTS

The issue is the battery was disconnected, so the engine computer lost its memory. The only procedure I know to cause the "minimum throttle" relearn to take place is for Chrysler products. That is to drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the pedals. Until minimum throttle is relearned, The engine computer will not know when it must be in control of idle speed. The engine may not start unless the accelerator pedal is held down 1/4", you won't get the nice Idle flare-up to 1500 rpm at start-up, and it will tend to stall at stop signs. Your car likely has some similar procedure that just involves driving it.