Engine stalls when coming to a stop

Tiny
DOCC74
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 CHEVROLET CORSICA
  • 2.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Idle surges when coming to a stop and tries to stall more of a low idle issue, but drives and idles fine other wise. Sometimes smooths out once stopped and exhaust is strong smelling all the time.
Sunday, November 4th, 2018 AT 3:43 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,293 POSTS
Is the service engine light coming on? If so, there is actually a way to get the trouble codes without having a scanner. All you need is a piece of wire or even just a paper clip. Here is a how-to guide on doing just that.

If the service engine light is not coming on, then diagnostics become a little more tricky. I would start with the catalytic converter. A clogged catalytic converter can cause every symptom that you described. Here is the official 2carpros test for it: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Personally, my test, which is a little simpler to run, is just to take the oxygen sensors out and then check the engine performance. With either test, the car will be pretty loud, so you probably do not want to do it in the middle of the night, unless you really do not like your neighbors. You will just need a 7/8" wrench, or maybe you can get away with a big pair of vice grips (not really suggested though). Let us know what you find and we will go from there.
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Sunday, November 4th, 2018 AT 5:23 AM
Tiny
DOCC74
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The catalytic converter was removed before I got the car. It is old enough to not be inspected for emissions.
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Sunday, November 4th, 2018 AT 5:38 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,961 POSTS
This sounds like a vacuum leak to me or the IAC valve is dirty and needs to be serviced. Here is a guide to help us get started:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 AT 11:19 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,293 POSTS
Ah okay. Then definitely move on to the IAC and vacuum check as Ken suggests.
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Wednesday, November 7th, 2018 AT 5:11 AM

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