94 Dodge Spirit Stalls when decel or stop signs in winter.

Tiny
BIGDIGGS11
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 DODGE SPIRIT
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
My 94 Dodge Spirit the last 2 winters, started to stall out at stop signs and when I decel, then I have to press the gas when in park and slam it into drive to keep it from stalling. I took it to my mechanic last year and he said he cleaned the throttle body which was terribly gunked up and it temporarily stopped for a couple weeks and started doing the same thing. I'm afraid it's going to to do it again this winter and I want to fix it before it starts up again. (Also this has only happen 3 others time this year during mild or good weather and it starts right back up and doesn't continue) Anyone have an idea of what to do or look for? I've had two mechanics say they have no idea.
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010 AT 4:07 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
"... During mild or good weather and it starts right back up and doesn't continue)"

Do you mean the problem doesn't keep acting up or the engine doesn't continue to run?

Is there any recent history of the battery being disconnected or run dead? If so, the Engine Computer will have to relearn "minimum throttle" before it will know when to be in control of idle speed. To meet the conditions for that to take place, drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the brake or gas pedals.

I've never run into this myself, but I've heard numerous stories about corroded ground wires for the Engine Computer. Be sure those connections are clean and tight.

Caradiodoc
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Tuesday, December 7th, 2010 AT 4:57 AM
Tiny
BIGDIGGS11
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I mean the problem doesn't occur. I did what you told me and nothing happened, it continued to run. It only happens at slow speeds, situations like stop signs or decelling on hills.
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Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 AT 12:38 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
The only other thing would a problem with the automatic idle speed (AIS) motor. It controls the air passage around the throttle blade to introduce more air and increase idle speed. There is a history of that passage becoming plugged on the 3.0L V-6 but that pretty much ended many years ago with the better fuels we have now.

A mechanic with the right scanner can perform a test on the AIS motor. It will run engine speed up and down. Also, if that motor is working and you've done the coasting procedure, you should get an "idle flareup" when you start the engine. Engine speed should go immediately to around 1500 rpm, then drop right away to 800. That flare-up doesn't always occur when minimum throttle hasn't been relearned.

Caradiodoc
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Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 AT 4:22 PM

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