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Car Engine Stalls and Runs Poor Questions

Question:  1999 Chevrolet Celebrity mileage: 120,000.  Ok, well I’ve been having this problem for a long time.  My car will be running fine for a while and then all of the sudden it starts backfiring in the engine, stalling when I come to a stop, it stalls and chugs even when I’m doing 70 Mph on the freeway!  It's weird because if you let my car set for a couple of weeks without driving it it'll run like new for about a week.  And then it just gets worse the more you drive it!  So the first thing I did was changed the fuel filter.  Didn't work.  So, I went out and bought one of those code readers, and the code read that I needed to replace the oxygen sensor.  So I did and nothing!  So just recently, I went out and had a brand new Catalytic converter and new muffler and I was sure that was the problem!  But it isn't... HELP PLEASE!

Answer:   First scan the PCM for trouble codes using a hand held engine scanner, Then repair codes by replacing failed sensor as needed.  If no codes are present we would suggest checking the fuel pressure. You may need to replace the fuel pump.

Question: 1999 Plymouth Voyager, mileage: 65,000.  I've been working on this van for about 4 days now and can't find any cause for this problem.  If you put it in gear (drive) and accelerate, it will start to stall.   It has new fuel filter, coolant sensor, ignition wires and plugs.  Scanned engine for codes and nothing.  Also when it stalls it will start right back up.  I’m exhausted with this van.  I've been through all-different types of diagnoses, had 4 other techs give me advice and help me figure out what is going on.  Please if you have any ideas, heard of this before, please let me know.  Thank you

Answer:   First scan the PCM for trouble codes using a hand held engine scanner, Then repair codes by replacing failed sensor as needed.  If no codes are present we would suggest checking the fuel pressure. You may need to replace the fuel pump.

Question: 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 mileage: 85,000.  I just scanned all the "stall" questions on your site. Several sounded similar.  This truck runs well.  However, after about 5-10 minutes of running, the engine just dies.  It may be when stopped or slowed in traffic and it may be running full speed down the highway.  Sometimes restarts immediately but usually have to wait couple of minutes and then starts quickly.  Have replaced the pick up coil, spark plugs, rotor, PCV valve, air filter, fuel filter, fuel pump relay and tuned it.  Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

Answer: Check electrical circuits, pay close attention to system grounds. also scan the PCM for trouble codes using a hand held engine scanner, Then repair codes by replacing failed sensor as needed.  If no codes are present we would suggest checking the fuel pressure. You may need to replace the fuel pump.

Question:   1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee, mileage: 125,000.  My jeep stalls and backfires whenever I drive in rain or very humid weather.  I changed my spark plugs and cables.  My mechanic and I are out of ideas.

Answer: Check electrical circuits, pay close attention to system grounds. also scan the PCM for trouble codes using a hand held engine scanner, Then repair codes by replacing failed sensor as needed.  If no codes are present we would suggest checking the fuel pressure. You may need to replace the fuel pump.

Answer:   It sounds like you have a idle speed control motor that is stating to go out. Replace with new to recheck system.

Question: 1997 Ford F350 mileage: 47,000.  I've had it a few months, but it hasn't been on the road until recently, reason being I was under age when I bought it, didn't have a driver's license until about a month ago.  So all the time I have had it, it has only been started and run up and down our driveway.  About 3 weeks ago I put it on the road, it did fine until about a week ago.  My mother and I were started on a short trip to a nearby town and on the way up this stretch of hill, it tried to smother out and quit running.  The day before I drove it up a secondary highway, very hilly terrain but had no trouble what so ever.  Before we hit the hill, we traveled all flat highways without and problem ran like a top.  After we finally made it to the top of the hill, we decided we would turn around and go back home.  Again, it ran like a top.  Now, it doesn't want to run much at all, it'll run a little way then die, start it up-it'll run a little way and die again.  I do not feel that it is anything serious, but it sure aggravating, because I do not know where to start.   I think it may be in the firing but I am not sure.  It backfires sometimes.  Auto transmission if that matters.  The car was a one owner, and my grandfather is acquainted with previous owner.  I did not buy the car directly from him but from a local used car dealer in my area.  My grandfather talked with the original owner about the condition of the car and was told it was in pretty good shape for the model.  It has a great body for the model; it was a good buy considering I did not have a lot of money to spend.   Thanks in advance, for any help you may be able to give me. 

Answer:  First check the fuel filter then check the EGR feed back sensor for internal damage.

Question: 1998 Chevy Cavalier, mileage: 100,000.  After prolonged use, the car stalls when slowing down from highway speeds.  It has occurred a few times and every time that it happens a different dash light comes on, i.e.: 1st brake, 2nd battery, 3rd oil.  The first time that it happened, the brakes were hard to press but after waiting a few minutes, there were no problems.  Every other time that the car stalled, the brakes were no problem.   The car slightly shuddered the last time before stalling.  The only common denominator is that the car works fine after waiting a few minutes.

Answer:   Your car has a lock-up torque converter in the transmission.  It locks-up only in high gear.  It is supposed to disengage at lower speeds.  Yours is not disengaging.  There is probably a valve in the transmission “hanging up”.  Having the transmission serviced with new fluid may help the problem.   Next step, the valve body will have to be removed and cleaned paying special attention to the TCC solenoid.  The TCC solenoid may have to be replaced.

Answer:   Check for leaks in the fuel system, also check for leaking fuel injectors.

Question:   1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra mileage: 166,000.  It stalls when I come to a stop in traffic (autotrans, multiport FI) and have replaced the mass airflow (got a code 33, 34 saying high and low voltage readings replaced mass airflow no change).  Replaced entire ignition system plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and coils.   I do notice at night, sparks traveling around coil and down the outside of spark plug wires and around the base of all plugs yet car still runs OK and I don’t get a shock when I touch the spark.  I have had everything checked in the fuel system and its ok.   Can this arcing be causing the engine to stall and if so what can be causing the arc?  I have replaced everything.

Answer:  Try servicing the fuel injection system.  Clean the carbon deposits from the throttle bore and idle passages.  Also, try replacing the idle air control to repair the problem.

Question: 2002 Ford F150 truck mileage: 50,000.  The truck died as I was going down the road. Fuse 9 in power distribution panel under the hood was blown and continues to blow when I try to start the truck.  I disconnected the transmission harness and was able to start the truck but I have to shift manually to drive it.  I had a transmission shop look at it, they hooked a breakout box up to the transmission, and it checked out ok.  Any ideas?

Answer:  We would check the wiring harnesses for damage and repair as needed.

Question: 2001 Toyota Corolla, mileage: 73,000.  When started after a short stop, "check engine" light would light up, engine would sputter, then stall. After that, engine will crank but will not start.   Car can be normally started after an hour-long stop.  The oddest thing is that that never happens when gas tank is topped off OR has less that half tank of gas.   My mechanic had it twice.  Engine computer does not retain any error codes.  Spark plugs where replaced at 60K tune-ups.  Any help will be appreciated!

Answer:  Your stalling problem may be cause by the fuel pump.  Replacing it and the fuel filter should fix your problem.

Question: 1998 Jeep Wrangler, mile: 98,000  My Jeep as I am driving acts as if it is out of gas.  We changed fuel pump, filter and I thought we had the vacuum lines checked however I took it to be in the diagnostic machine and have sensors tested but the man manually tested all except 2 that he says he could not reach because of their locations somewhere around the transmission, Do you know what 2 sensors they are?  My Jeep runs and when it hits a bump is when it most likely acts like it I running out of fuel the rpm drops to 1 and putt, putt we go until I sometimes keep my foot on the gas and it takes off again okay or sometimes I’ll hit another bump and it goes okay.   Please help?

Answer:   First scan the PCM for trouble codes using a hand held engine scanner, Then repair codes by replacing failed sensor as needed.  If no codes are present we would suggest checking the fuel pump.

Question: 2001 Toyota Tacoma Truck mileage: 99,000.  I have a problem that I have been trying to diagnose now for about two years. My truck will go for about 3-4 months and run just fine, then out of the blue I will be driving along and it will sputter and stop running.  I will let it sit for a few hours and it will start back up, run for a while, and quit again.  This will go on for up to a month then it will return to running normal.  I have had it in for diagnostic check , tune-ups, thorough electrical inspection, all to no avail, I am at a loss.  Right now, I am battling the on/off running syndrome.  Any help would be appreciated.

Answer:  If possible, when your car dies, and will not restart, check for spark at the ignition coil.  If there is no spark, the problem may be the ignition module or they pick-up coil. If it does have spark check for fuel pressure in the fuel rail.

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Check Engine Light