☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: Engine starts but stalls immediately

asked by on September 17, 2016

My vehicle was performing great prior to the following. I poured 14 oz. of my favorite Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant into a 1/4 tank of existing gas, started the engine and let it idle. I forgot about the engine being started for about 4 hours. I turned the engine off. The next morning I went to start the engine. The engine started but stalled immediately. The engine starts but will stall immediately unless I have my foot on the gas pedal. Hopefully it's an easy fix. Would like some input.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Recommended Services

Car is stalling Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

This may be an issue related to what is called an idle air control module. This is a module that regulates the amount of air that is allowed into the intake system as it is mixed with the fuel before being injected into the motor. When this is not working properly, this will cause the car to stall as you describe. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to definitively diagnose the stalling issue and make necessary repairs.

Chrysler
engines
Stalling
2003
V6-3.0L
Sebring
automatic transmission
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

Is there anyway to fix cigarette lighter and also to connect iPhone to car to listen to music?
Hello. There should be an AUX mode in the car's stereo system that will allow you to use your iPhone to supply music. If this does not work, you may have a faulty stereo that may need to be replaced....
Read more
loud constant click noise like machine gun kind of
This could be a variety of things potentially depending on where the sound is coming from. If this is coming from the engine area, this may be valve train noise. If not from the engine area, this may be related...
Read more
My car won't start. It tries but quickly sputters and dies
If this is something that seems to happen regularly after filling the fuel tank, you may have a problem with your evaporative emissions control system. Your car has a small purge valve called a purge solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/evaporation-vent-solenoid-replacement) in the Evaporative...
Read more
The electric power steering system warning light is on and check engine light is on and don't turn on
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is having obvious issues with the power steering system. When the problem is detected while the computer runs scans as it starts, and the problem is bad enough, the system will not...
Read more
the seats won't heat up and the fuse looks good
The heated seat circuit includes wiring, terminations, the switch and possibly a relay. There is the resistive element (heater) in the seat as well. Basically, all of those components would be evaluated in any electrical diagnostic of the fault. If...
Read more
When my alternator went out, could it have killed my battery?
Hello, thank you for writing in. The symptoms you are having are classic of a failing alternator. While the battery can be damaged and fail due to the vehicle relying solely on it for power while running, you will want...
Read more
I'm trying to replace my antenna assy coil from the ignition area inside of the car where the key goes. Do u know of a video on it
The best place to look for videos on automotive repairs would be Youtube.com. I know that there is a guy from 1A Auto who is often on there filming various repairs being done to show people how to do them....
Read more
I have an 04 altima when I try to excelerate the car car jerks and jumps bad I had it towed thought it was cv axle but it wasn't .
The fault is probably engine related. Loss of power on acceleration can be due to plugged fuel injectors, faulty oxygen sensors, fuel pump and/or filter, vacuum leaks including that caused by a faulty EGR system, ignition system malfunctions, bad valve...
Read more
Dead battery then all warning lights on
You should first have the battery and cables checked for bad battery and corroded connections and if all okay then disconnect battery and then reconnect after making sure you have the radio code to turn it back on. Then see...
Read more

Related articles

Do Cars Need Oil Changes More or Less Often As They Age?
Car engines wear out as miles add up. Older engines and engines with high mileage have lower tolerances, making more frequent oil changes necessary.
Read more
How to Get a Used Engine
The engine (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-a-modern-engine-works) under the hood is the most important component of a vehicle. Without the engine, your car cannot run and is of little value to you. If you have been in an accident, or neglected your engine to...
Read more
How to Do a Compression Test
A compression test diagnoses many engine problems. If a compression test is below the manufacturer's specifications, there's an internal engine issue.
Read more

Browse other content

Cars
Services
Estimates
Cities