Q: my car dies when it idling

asked by on March 01, 2017

when i start it as long as my foot is on the gas it runs. take my foot off it dies. it codes to air intake
My car has a manual transmission.

Car is stalling Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello, and thank you for writing in. You will want to turn your attention to the idle air control valve, throttle, and throttle position sensor. You can inspect the intake system for obvious vacuum leaks, a dirty filter, a clog, a sticking throttle, or a dirty throttle, and take corrective action from there. You can then turn your attention to the fuel system and perform a fuel pressure test at the engine. If the pressure is low, then you will want to check the fuel pump and fuel filter. Fuel filters are often overlooked and should be changed once a year or so depending on driving habits. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

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 delete a paired phone?
If you would like to delete one of the Bluetooth paired phones, you can do so very easily: 1. Turn on the infotainment system. 2. Press the CONFIG button. 3. Use the MENU/SEL knob to select Phone Settings or Bluetooth...
Engine seemed to be running too rich or too lean, not sure which.
Many different problems can cause an engine to run rough and lack power. The first step is to retrieve the diagnostic code associated with the check engine light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection). This will provide a general idea of where to begin the...
Car starts, but doesn't stay started.
The problem you describe can be the crankshaft position sensor. The sensor is a major failure on these vehicles and can cause no starts or intermittent starts and stalls. Have a qualified mechanic test you car with an approved scanner...
Lights on the shift selector quit working
Hello. There is probably a problem with the neutral safety switch. The neutral safety switch is an important part of the car being able to start while in park and/or neutral and it allows the reverse lights to come on....
How to replace oil cooler hose 08 Landrover lr2
It does appear as though you will need to remove the intake manifold. My information system doesn't give specific instruction for the oil cooler hoses, but it does give information about the oil cooler. This sort of situation isn't out...
How can I check if water pump is working
Make sure coolant is full (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/top-off-coolant). Start the car when engine is cold and let the engine idle. As the engine gets to operating temperature within 3 to 5 minutes, feeling the top radiator hose will start off cold and...
Alarm system is silenced and my car won't start
I'm sorry, but I will need a little more info for this one like the year make and model of the vehicle. Many vehicles' alarms systems are designed to react differently to certain inputs. Something as simple as a loose...
The car won't start the first time in the morning and only starts after a few tries
Hi there. In many cases, the hard cold starting issues you're experiencing are caused by fuel delivery issues or ignition timing problems. This could be caused by a dirty or faulty air fuel mixture sensor, dirty or clogged fuel injectors,...
What would cause coolant to be splashed on the engine and you hear a air sound while the car is running?
Hello, thank you for writing in. The first component that comes to mind is the water pump. It is one of the most common places to develop a leak. It may also spray out of that area, or drip down...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford Focus Electric
In In 2012, the Ford Focus Electric model went a step farther than other eco-friendly cars. Instead of creating another hybrid model, Ford chose to offer a fully electric vehicle with a very impressive range of 76 city miles and...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Massage Therapist
If If you're a massage therapist, one of the cornerstones of your business has to be that you don’t keep your clients waiting. That means you need a vehicle that’s reliable. You also will have to move your gear, including...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Connecticut in 2012
Connecticut Connecticut offers plenty of rain and its fair share of snow during the winter months, which means drivers need vehicles that can handle these conditions. Top selling vehicles in previous years have included the Toyota Camry, Corolla and the...