Q: Car is stalling

asked by on November 28, 2016

Backed out from parking space, once I put the car in drive, the engine sputtered and died. I tried starting it again, but each time i put it in drive, the same thing happened. Even in reverse the car sputtered but kept going. It would not stay cranked in drive.

My car has 46644 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Idle Control Valve Replacement $162.54 - $1028.01 Get a Quote

You may have a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve reads the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and at idle. Since this valve is controlled by the vehicle’s computer, it will adjust idle speed based upon other measurements such as engine temperature, intake air temperature and electrical system load or voltage. The idle air control valve also helps to transition the load on the engine when shifting in and out of gear. When you accelerate, the engine RPM increases, and as you let off the gas, the RPM slowly returns to the normal idling speed with the help of the idle air control valve. When the engine RPM drops below the normal range of about ~800 RPM, this often times will cause the engine to stall indicating a dirty or faulty idle air control valve. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and repair your idle air control valve.

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


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I adjust the side view mirrors in a 2012 Dodge Ram?
You can control your side view mirrors with the side view switches, which are located on the control panel on the inside of the driver’s door. At the top of this control panel are two buttons, labeled “L” and “R”...
Problems with shifting.
Transmissions can be totally destroyed inside and not shift or it could be something simple such as a speed sensor if reading erratic. The only way to tell is to have the system thoroughly checked by a certified transmission technician,...
Car hesitates while accelerating, check engine light on all the time
The Check Engine Light going on and off is most likely caused by an engine misfire. The intake manifold could be leaking vacuum when it is cold, and sealing up when the vehicle warms up. The engine running poorly can...
Wheel bearing stuck on spindle
Hey there, thank you for asking about your 2006 Chevrolet Uplander. I just happened to have a vehicle with the same issue. The outer bearing went bad and seized to the spindle shaft. The reason it seized was the bearing...
Turns over but won't start, or starts for a few minutes and then dies. It dies while driving also.
Hi there. From the description you have provided, your vehicle's engine dying could be so many things causing the problem. Assuming the Check Engine Light is not coming on. It could be the fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement). A fuel pressure test...
How to remove an aftermarket alarm?
Hi there. Locate the controller to the aftermarket alarm on the vehicle and follow the power wires to the fuse box or electrical wiring in the vehicle. If the wiring goes to the fuse box, locate where the wire is...
I have a 2012 ford fusion sel that says park brakes engaged. But I never lifted the park brakes
Hi there. Is the parking brake engaged? Does the vehicle move freely if the parking brake is disengaged? If the vehicle moves freely with the parking brake off and the warning continues then it sounds like there could be a...
Should I take this car for a 3000 mile long trip?
Ultimately, you are the only one that can make that decision. I would suggest having a mechanic do a vehicle inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/75-point-safety-inspection) before setting out on a long trip like this, as 3000 miles will pass some maintenance milestones. Having...
There was no oil in the car and it started ticking car was acting like it didn't want to start but did at first put oil in the car
The ticking noise may be from the valve train. Whenever there is inadequate oil in an engine, the valve train may run dry and that will cause noise. If damage occurs due to that lack of oil, the noise could...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Caterer
If If you are in the catering business, you need a reliable vehicle that will provide you with what you need to transport your food, linens, and other supplies. Generally speaking, you're better off buying gently used, because you will...
Nissan Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
If If you have been shopping for a used Nissan vehicle, you may want to check out cars under their certified pre-owned program. Many manufacturers have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program, and each one is set up differently. Read on...
How to Get Nissan Dealership Certified
Nissan dealerships offer auto technician jobs to those certified through Nissan’s Service Career Opportunities for Professional Enhancement program.