Q: Car stalls when stopped in traffic

asked by on August 12, 2016

My car has no codes or dashboard lights on. I took it to the dealership for the issue that happens quite often. The car would stall when stopped in traffic. It occurs especially when the weather is hot and when I turn the AC on. It would start right away though. What is causing this?

Idle Control Valve Replacement $162.54 - $1028.01 Get a Quote
Car is stalling Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Just because your Check Engine Light is not on does not mean you do not have codes in the computer memory. You could have codes that are called pending codes. These codes mean a problem happened but has not happened a second time to turn on the Check Engine Light. Have the vehicle scanned and diagnosed to see if you have any vacuum leaks that may cause the stall, or a sticking idle control valve with carbon buildup on it and the throttle plates. If you would like this scoped out for you in person, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose your stalling issue and let you know what needs repair.

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

Spare wheel well is full of water, what gives?
You should have the water leak found and fixed as soon as possible so that rust or mildew does not affect the interior of your Jeep. There are two main places that may be leaking. If you have a roof...
Car stalls after water pump, timing belt, plugs, valves replacements
Many different systems can cause a stalling malfunction on your vehicle. The most common are a fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement), fuel filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-filter-replacement), spark plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement), battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement), wiring fault or a crank (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement)/cam sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement). If the timing belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/timing-belt-replacement)...
No compression but spark is there, fuel goes good. What is happening? The car only cranks and doesn't start.
Hi there, thanks for writing in. Unfortunately, if there is no compression, you have internal engine failure. This could be piston ring failure. Generally, a used engine would be the order for the repair as the cylinder walls could be...
When I start my car all the warning lights come on,but after a start driving it they all go off.
Hi there. It is normal for all of the lights to come on when the vehicle is first turned on. The vehicle does this as a bulb check for the systems. As long as the lights go off right after...
clutch not working correctly
Hello there, many common faults will cause issues with the clutch on your 1998 Chevrolet S10. If the clutch line is continually disconnecting there are a few common faults. The most likely is a failing slave cylinder, air in the...
I hit a light post while backing in R shift and my car suddenly accelerated forward and hit another car. How is that possible?
Hi there. Since you are planning to use this type of information to defend your position, I HIGHLY recommend contacting a local mechanical expert to provide you with this information. Without inspecting your vehicle, any explanation on our part would...
ABS light is on
Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information simultaneously to the ABS and traction control system which are controlled by the car's ECU. When the ECU...
Legality of rear facing lights.
Hi there. What you are describing is illegal in nearly all US states. You should check and verify with your state's DMV to know for certain, but in most cases, this is an illegal use of lights for on road...
2004 Chevy impala ss sunroof will not close, make clicking noise and motor sounds like it is laboring
Hi There, It sounds like the sunroof is binding up inside the track causing it to get stuck and ultimately overpower the motor. This will likely require the sunroof panels to come apart to determine what may be causing it...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing AC Belt
If your car squeals when you turn on the AC, has cracks in the AC belt, or is unable to defrost the windshield, you may need to replace the AC belt.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Heater Bypass Tube
If you see coolant leaking under your car or smell coolant from your car, you may need to replace the heater bypass tube.
How Long Does a Heater Control Valve Last?
Keeping Keeping the right amount of coolant in a car is essential in keeping the engine at the right temperature. Failing to have the right amount of coolant or even bad elements of the coolant system can lead to a...