I let off the pedal it stalls

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 190,000 MILES
When I start the car it starts fine when I give it gas and keep it above 1000 RPM's but if I let off the pedal it dies.I can start it up with no problem. Same if I am driving it. Have to keep foot on pedal to keep it running. Do you know what is going on? Oil level is good.
Monday, March 11th, 2013 AT 4:38 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you could have a dirty idle air control valve (IAC).
Over time the IAC can become dirty and have restricted air flow inside. This will cause the engine to either have poor idle or not to idle at all, as the IAC controls the engine idle when the throttle is not used.
The IAC can be serviced by cleaning it out. Many times that will fix the idle issue.

Here are couple of helpful articles:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-idle-air-control-valve-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 30th, 2021 AT 9:54 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Stall While Driving Content

Is it Safe to Drive Check Engine Light?
VIDEO
Is it Safe to Drive Check Engine Light?
Instructional repair video
Engine Stalls While Driving
GUIDE
Engine Stalls While Driving
An engine that stalls while driving and then starts back up again, either immediately or after a short time is different from an engine that just wont start or if the...
VIEW MORE