Engine stalling

I have just found 2 articles about engine stalling and low idle problems as related to do it yourself auto repair for these common car problems.

I also found a news story about a new Honda stalling condition that has developed. These recent articles where posted on the newsroom website and I received permission to post them for our website visitors.

Stall condition or low idle

The IAC is completely responsible for the engine drivability characteristics when idling. The cars computer controls a pintal valve that allows a small amount of metered air to enter the engine or throtle body. The computer continually adjusts and meters the air while monitoring engine rpm.

When this system malfunctions you can have a low idle condition or engine-stalling. Sometimes the pintal valve and the airway passage can become cloged and restrict the air flow which degrades the computers ability to make the idle adjustment.

You can remove the IAC valve and inspect and clean the air passage and pintal valve. This may cure the engine stalling condition.

Engine stall from a vacuum leak

A broken vacuum line or hose is just as common today as it was back in the 70's. Even though the vacuum lines are now made mostly of hard plastic they can still crack and break from the extreme heat they are exposed to.

A small vacuum line breaking may cause an engine idle to fluctuate. Where as a large vacuum leak will almost always cause a stalling condition. A close inspection of these vacuum hoses should reveal any broken ones. But pay close attention to 90-degree bends and also the attaching points to the intake manifold and throttle body. These areas take the most stress.

If you have a scan tool you can pull up the IAC data and confirm a vacuum leak by watching the IAC steps. When an external vacuum leak develops the computer will try to compensate for it by running the IAC all the way in and this would read 0 steps on the scan tool.

We now also know that another common car problem is causing a specific Honda stalling condition. The Honda story is near the bottom of this page

If your vehicle is still under warranty go ahead and bring this to the attention of your new car dealer service department.

If your car or truck is a chrysler product this next story is for you. This recall is said to cause intermitent stalling and will be repaired at no charge from Chrysler.

Honda stalling condition

This short article is worth the read even if you do not have a honda vehicle. This document provides further insight into how the engine could stall by the vehicles PCM ( Powertrain Control Module )controling the fuel system.

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