Q: Car shuts off at idle
The check engine light came on about a week ago. A few days ago, the car would shut off when stopped at a stop light/stop sign. It restarts easily and continues to run as long as it is not stopped for too long or the gas pedal is pressed slightly.
My car has 125000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Recommended Services
| Car starts and then dies Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
| Idle Control Valve Replacement | $162.54 - $1028.01 | Get a Quote |
Hi, thanks for writing in. This is a sign of a failing idle air control valve. This is a unit that regulates the air flow into the engine as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the motor. When this is not working properly, this will cause an imbalanced load of air and fuel to be supplied to the motor resulting in a loss of power or stall as you have experienced. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home or office to confirm a diagnosis on the issue and make or suggest the necessary repairs or replacements.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
My car is vibrating during acceleration
Hello. There are a few things that can cause this. The most common on your vehicle is either a bad engine mount or CV axle. I start by making sure that the Check Engine Light is not on. This lets...
Car cranks, but doesn't start
Cranking and turning over are essentially the same, so I will assume that it cranks but won't start. There are many variables that go into diagnosing a no-start condition. The fuel pump is just one of many things that can...
I heard a loud noise from right side of my engine. My partner raised the engine, now it will not start
Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. If your engine was making a loud noise and when the engine was throttled up, there is a possibility that the engine may have a connecting rod that could be knocking and getting ready...
I have a 2006 nissan altima 2.5s......when im driving my temp will go all the way up to high but drop down to the normal area when
Typically, a coolant flow issue can cause the temperature to climb while driving. A clogged cooling system or a partially opened thermostat can cause this. A cracked head gasket is a possibility but with the age and mileage of the...
Fault code p0120
Diagnostic trouble code P0120 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0120-obd-ii-trouble-code-tps-a-circuit-malfunction-by-jay-safford) sets when the ECM (or PCM) receives an output from TPS sensor circuit A that is outside of the specified voltage range in relation to TPS sensor circuit B. The code will also set if...
Engine light and limp-home light
Hello, and thank you for writing in. When the vehicle's check engine light and limp mode are both set off, there is a problem with the vehicle that needs to be addressed. You can easily clear the codes with a...
emergency brake broke
If the cable has broken, to obtain a repair quote, please click on "Get a Quote" at YourMechanic's emergency brake cable replacement service page (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/emergency-parking-brake-cable-replacement). As long as the parking break lever is not damaged and the remainder of the...
I got a 2000 dodge ram pickup that ran out of oil i dont know when. It started makin a light knockin from the engine.
The sound you are hearing is likely related to the lack of sufficient oil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-level-is-low-inspection) in the motor, which may have also caused the motor to overheat and shut down. When this happens, a number of things may cause the...
Clunking noise when i turn and stays but stops when i pressed the brakes, and come back on. Noise starts after i make a turn.
The tires that you bought are wider (by 0.79 inches) than the ones you had originally installed. However, if the larger tire size is listed in the tire catalog as a direct interchange for the original size, on your year,...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Ford Ranger
The The 2011 Ford Ranger offers affordable pricing with excellent styling. It is a compact pickup that is both inexpensive to operate and own. The vehicle is capable of going off-road while still being able to tow 1,600 to 3,100...
How Long Does a Top Dead Center (TDC) Sensor Last?
The The top dead center (TDC) sensor is the point from which the firing order is determined and the ignition system measurements are taken. The measurements are normally defined as before top dead center and after top dead center. The...
Top Five Selling Cars in Colorado in 2012
Colorado Colorado offers a varied climate depending on where drivers are located. Those in lower elevations see plenty of sunshine all year, while those in the mountain areas can see as much as 300 inches of snow. Due to this,...
Browse other content
Cities
Services