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Engine Stalling

Old 04-26-2009, 06:58 PM
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Default Engine Stalling

2000 SSEI, 110,000 on odometer
Car surged and died on my wife as she slowed to turn a corner, the car would turn over fine but not start. 2 hours later we returned to retrieve the car and it started and drove itself home. Changed fuel filter, then started the car and it seemed to be ok. Turned car off, started the car, it ran, surged and died then would not start. A little carb cleaner in the air intake got the car started but the car wanted to die if you let off the throttle. Ran fine at 1500 plus RPM but could not drop below or it dies. Same thing today, I cleared all codes, started the car, it ran fine, warmed the car up in the garage at assorted RPM shut it off several times and it started without fail. Shut the car off one last time and it won't start again, and again it cranks but nothing. I pushed the throttle to the floor whilw cranking and it started but did not run well. Maintenance has been regularly performed and plugs and wires only have 5000 miles on them. Alternator has 5000 miles on it as well, and battery is a year old. The car is currently throwing no codes but will not start. The codes that were there before clearing were: 0440 and 0442 both are evap system codes ( I get the famous check gas cap notice,(the cap is new as well and I have never cleared the code since installing)). I welcome all info. Thank you in advance
Old 04-26-2009, 07:43 PM
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Pull the plugs and inspect them. How do they look? Check for vacuum leaks. Possible plugged cat. Pull the O2 sensor on the rear exhaust manifold and start. You will get a SES light and it will be very loud. But if it runs then it points at a plugged cat.
Old 04-27-2009, 09:32 PM
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Thanks for the reply. Here is the update. New IAC valve(not the problem) pulled the O2 sensor at the manifold same thing, ran fine till it hit temperature then went to crap. I now noticed I can smell fuel once it started to fall on its face. Once it started to go bad it was rough and slobering all over itself. Can it be a temperature sensor? It seems to run like a top till the temp goes up to opperating temp and then it seems to be loading up. With the O2 sensor out it was clear that the car went rich and then won't run. I pulled the #3 & #5 plugs and they smelled of fuel and were damp. What is the best way to determine if I have a vac leak. Everytime I cold start the car it seems to be fixed. Whatever the problem, heat is what is bringing it out
Old 04-27-2009, 09:37 PM
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Test your coils. They could have a crack and grounding out when heated up. Take a spray bottle of water and mist the plugs, wires, and coils when running, then turn off the lights and watch in the dark. If you see blue flashing you have a ground problem. You should do this cold and hot.
Old 04-27-2009, 09:43 PM
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Please add your year and trim of your vehicle to your signature line. That way when you start asking questions in other areas of the forum, we all have a better idea on how to assist you. Click on "Quick Links" above, go down to "User Control Panel" and then click on "Edit your Signature" It'* pretty straight forward from there.

I agree with Dan..it sounds like the engine heating up is either expanding electrical contacts or even expanding something in your vacuum system, and that is causing the bad running condition when at temperature.
Old 04-27-2009, 10:03 PM
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Thank You!! I will try this when I get home. Is there truth to the fact that the temp sensor, if fails, tells the computer it is below zero and puts more fuel into the motor? If so can this be what is happening or will that be the case all the time. What is the best way to find a vacuum leak/
Old 04-27-2009, 10:04 PM
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What does your temp gauge in the car say?
Old 04-27-2009, 10:08 PM
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temp reads 195 all the gauges seem to read normal and still not getting any codes
Old 04-27-2009, 10:09 PM
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Then I would tend to think the ECT sensor is fine.
Old 04-27-2009, 10:16 PM
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Cool! I will try to spray it down. The car won't start as of last trial and is on the road in front of the house. Like an idiot, it was running alright in the garage, so I took it around the block only to die in front of the house. I also did not get a SES light with the O2 sensor out(just a note) I will update tomorrow with any new progress. Thanks again for the help

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