Q: Once engine is warmed up (3-4miles) car stalls at intersections and won't stay running.

asked by on February 17, 2017

I have brought my car to 3 different mechanics and gotten 3 different answers from catalytic converter, to fuel pump, to transmission. I just want an honest & ethical direction to go in so as not to be taken advantage of when I go in for repairs. I can drive the car for about 3-4miles with no issues, then all of a sudden it will stall when I pull up to a stop light. I can restart and hold my foot on the gas to keep it running, but if I take my foot off the gas, it stalls again. I can drive at higher speeds as long as I keep my foot on the gas petal. If I have to slow down for traffic, the car stalls as soon as I take my foot off the gas. Please help

My car has 176000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car starts and then dies Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. The correct way to diagnose most mechanical problems like you are describing begins with a digital scanner inspection. This allows the mechanic to download any stored error codes and then pinpoint the source of the issue. Once codes of no error codes are found, they should complete a test drive to attempt and replicate the symptoms you are having. This typically gives them a better indication of what is wrong with the car. After, they will dig into the engine and inspect the suspected components in order to make a diagnosis. Unfortunately, most mechanic shops will skip a few of these steps and make an "educated guess" as to the source of your problem. I would recommend having one of our mobile mechanics come to your location to complete a car starts then stalls inspection; so they can get to the bottom line as to what’s causing your problems.

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

Will not start even though I jumpstarted.
You may have an issue with your fuel or ignition system. The battery may be dying being brand new because of continuous cranking of the starter in attempt to start the vehicle. If the fuel or ignition systems have any...
I need to replace water pump.
I would ask for help from a mechanic. Possibly from YourMechanic. They can come to you and diagnose why your car is overheating (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-overheating-inspection) and recommend what repairs are needed.
Car loses power while accelerating
Hi. If your car is suffering in performance and the wrench indicator light has come on, then that means the vehicle needs to be serviced. A professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, should be able to scan the vehicle...
Car starts on its own. Just changed the starter, the solenoid is okay, and I checked the wiring.
Hello. Either the two big terminals are touching each other on the starter solenoid or the starter solenoid is shorted internally. You should check to make sure the two large terminals are not touching. If you would like to have...
No heat and the temperature gauge goes down.
Hi there. Check the heater control valve on the heater hoses under the hood. The valve is controlled by vacuum. Check the vacuum lines and see if they have came off or split. With the engine at operating temperature, check...
Can u give me a rough estimate for replacing inner and outer tie rod ends on my tundra 2006 sr5?
Hi there. Although the creaking noise might be caused by a tie rod wearing out, it's also possible that another steering system or suspension component is faulty and causing the noise. You might want to have one of our mobile...
Won't shift won't drive past 30mhp once it reaches that point it start to grind also a loud humming sound
You have bad transmission internal bearings and broken gears. You need to have a transmission mechanic check the transmission to see if it can be rebuilt or needs to be replaced.
What if oil is getting in my turbo on 2008 Audi 4
If you are getting excessive oil inside the turbo on this engine then you need to check the turbo shaft play to see if it moves side to side or up and down indication of worn turbo bearing and possible...
My car only accelerates directly after I start it. After a short period, it stops responding to the gas pedal being pressed.
You will need to have the computer scanned and the fuel pressure tested to see if the pressure is low. Since there is a problem then the system tests will identify the cause of the loss of power. You either...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Suzuki Equator
While While the Equator is a truck very similar to others in its class – and is built on the same platform as the popular Nissan Frontier – it suffers from a lack of name recognition as well as the...
Suzuki Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
If If you have been shopping for a used Suzuki 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...
Understanding the Suzuki Oil Life Monitor and Service Indicator Lights
Car symbols, or dashboard lights, are a car service reminder. The Suzuki Oil Life Monitor system indicates when and what service your car needs.