car feels like it wants to cut off at times

J

Jefflovesarlene

Registered
HI guys, might have asked this before but here it goes. Every now and then when I come to a redlight, my car sounds like it wants to shut off. Sort of reves al ittle then comes back down. When I put it into park, it goes away. I haven't the ac on or anything. Take it out of park, then it goes away. Happens like once a week or every 2 weeks. If I do need a part for my car that is causing this, how much would it be and how much would someone charge me so I know if I am getting ripped off. Thanks for your help.
 
I would guess the IACV (Idle Air Control Valve) is starting to stick. If that is new, I would suspect a dirty fuel filter or a going bad fuel pump.

My "About to die" turned out to be the fuel pump. One time it did die - and stayed dead.

If you have a buddy with a fuel pressure meter, you might check it.
 
Forgot to mention that the fuel filter was replace last month. As far as fuel pump goes, not sure on that. I think it may be the IAC valve because that sounds like what was mentioned the first time. If it is this, is it very expensive, time consuming, etc to resolve? Thanks for the advice. My car just feels like it will cut off once in a blue moon if I don't give it enough gas or if I just put it in park, it goes away.
 
Jefflovesarlene said:
Forgot to mention that the fuel filter was replace last month. As far as fuel pump goes, not sure on that. I think it may be the IAC valve because that sounds like what was mentioned the first time. If it is this, is it very expensive, time consuming, etc to resolve? Thanks for the advice. My car just feels like it will cut off once in a blue moon if I don't give it enough gas or if I just put it in park, it goes away.
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The IAC valve is a PITA, if it's a first generation car like mine. If it is, I've found it easier to disconnect both fuel rails (at the compression fittings); remove the windshield wipers and the plastic bezel below them. Then remove the throttle body (get you a gasket before you do that.) What all this does is get you enough room to get at the two bolts that hold it on.

Is it missing/running ragged when you cold start it?
 
No, it starts up fine without any problems in the mornings except for the famous higher than normal rpms then comes down after about 30 seconds. Just happens every now and then when I first jump in the car at noon time to go to lunch. Thanks for all the help and advice.
 
Jefflovesarlene said:
No, it starts up fine without any problems in the mornings except for the famous higher than normal rpms then comes down after about 30 seconds. Just happens every now and then when I first jump in the car at noon time to go to lunch. Thanks for all the help and advice.
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First start, higher than normal (1.5-2K) RPM is normal. With IACV problems the car runs rough/may or not keep running at start up (with no throttle). Throttle at start up solves the bad IACV problem.

There is also a delay from high RPM to idle RPM that is normal.

Pull the ground battery cable and leave off for 2 minutes. This resets the ignition computer. Now drive it and see if the "almost die" symtoms go away for awhile.

By almost die, are we talking about RPM less than 100? Does it ever die?
 
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