TA dies on idle, please help!
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Federal Way, WA
TA dies on idle, please help! Hello,
So, this problem started yesterday when my bf and I were out shopping. I usually don't let anyone drive my car 'cause something always happens when they do, but I made an exception.
On one red light, the car died as we were braking at around 8 mph. When we got it home, I turned it off, left it for about an hour and went to try and start it again. It turns over like it wants to start, but has a hard time really catching. When it does it sputters and dies, even after giving it a bit of gas.
This morning, I started it fine and pulled it out of the garage, no problem. But when I was braking for a red light on the way to work, it again completely shut down and I had to coast it into a parking spot on the side of the road with no power steering.
There are no check engine lights or service vehicle indications. When it's accelerating and at higher speeds, I haven't noticed any loss of power or anything, just can't seem to keep the rpms up enough at idle. Any help would be great, it's still parked on the side of the road and it would kill me to have to leave it there overnight. Thanks in advance!
So, this problem started yesterday when my bf and I were out shopping. I usually don't let anyone drive my car 'cause something always happens when they do, but I made an exception.
On one red light, the car died as we were braking at around 8 mph. When we got it home, I turned it off, left it for about an hour and went to try and start it again. It turns over like it wants to start, but has a hard time really catching. When it does it sputters and dies, even after giving it a bit of gas.
This morning, I started it fine and pulled it out of the garage, no problem. But when I was braking for a red light on the way to work, it again completely shut down and I had to coast it into a parking spot on the side of the road with no power steering.
There are no check engine lights or service vehicle indications. When it's accelerating and at higher speeds, I haven't noticed any loss of power or anything, just can't seem to keep the rpms up enough at idle. Any help would be great, it's still parked on the side of the road and it would kill me to have to leave it there overnight. Thanks in advance!
TECH Resident
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
From: South Alabama
Will it stay running if you give it some gas - but it just won't hold an idle? Try cleaning the IAC valve on the TB with some carb cleaner...hmmm...take it off the car before you clean it. Its attached by two torx screws IIRC.
Yes, try cleaning the IAC. Be careful taking it out as there's a small o-ring around it that can tear easily if its older. That will usually give you an SES light if it FAILS completely, not if its slowly failing.
I would think a fuel pressure issue could be the culprit too. A failing fuel pump maybe. Thats a simple pressure check from a mechanic. I think you need to see about 58psi.
Or a dirty fuel filter can cause the engine to fail at or near idle. When at cruise speeds you'll be producing enough fuel pressure to overcome most minor fuel filter or fuel injector clogs, but when at or near idle the pressure is way down and a clog might win the battle and stall the engine. Minor clogs can also cause hard starts. Sea Foam can help clear dirty fuel injectors, but not a fuel filter. If you want to try to the Sea Foam, put an entire can into 3/4 tank of gas. Run it out, then change the fuel filter. If you can do it yourself, which is very easy to do, it'll all cost you about $25.00. 1 can and a new filter. But you need to check your fuel pressure too.
How many miles do you have on that fuel filter?
I would think a fuel pressure issue could be the culprit too. A failing fuel pump maybe. Thats a simple pressure check from a mechanic. I think you need to see about 58psi.
Or a dirty fuel filter can cause the engine to fail at or near idle. When at cruise speeds you'll be producing enough fuel pressure to overcome most minor fuel filter or fuel injector clogs, but when at or near idle the pressure is way down and a clog might win the battle and stall the engine. Minor clogs can also cause hard starts. Sea Foam can help clear dirty fuel injectors, but not a fuel filter. If you want to try to the Sea Foam, put an entire can into 3/4 tank of gas. Run it out, then change the fuel filter. If you can do it yourself, which is very easy to do, it'll all cost you about $25.00. 1 can and a new filter. But you need to check your fuel pressure too.
How many miles do you have on that fuel filter?
Last edited by LS6427; Mar 12, 2009 at 06:05 PM.
