1999 Mercury Sable Stalls in park and when sitting at traff

Tiny
SHEEBEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 MERCURY SABLE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
My car has suddenly started to stall while in park and in drive at traffic lights. It does not do it ALL the time, but when the tach gets below 1000 then I know it is going to happen. Tried fuel injector cleaner, but no help. Could it need a new fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs? It runs fine when you are actually driving it. My chek engine light is on due to needing oxygen sensors, but has been on a long time with no problems. I have not however had the code re-read since the stalling has occured. Any help?
Saturday, March 27th, 2010 AT 1:24 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Get a can of spray Throttle body cleaner, start the car and spray around, pay attention to vacuum lines and manifold, if the idle changes, you found a leak. You want the engine running and spray on the outside but do direct the stream onto the hoses, if it is a vacuum leak, the engine idle will change speed, then you have detected a leak, repair the vacuum leak and see how it runs!
Keep the spray away from the exhuast manifolds...
The other possibilty is the idle air control, it,s bolted to the side of the throttle body...


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_Ford_IAC_2.jpg

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, March 27th, 2010 AT 1:39 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