1995 3.8 stalling out when stopped

[telepunk]

Ok hopefully someone can figure this out.

When I'm at a stop (red light usually) the RPM and oil gauge rev up and down together, and makes the engine rev, sometimes so much that it makes the car go forward some when i have my foot on the brake! Sooner or later if I don't move it stalls out. When I do press to accelerate it loses power and theres a delay to get power to get moving.....

I have had the oxygen sensor replaced twice and that worked both times for 6 months, then it came back again!

This time I had the spark plugs changed and the wires (I did these myself, I assume I did them right) this had no effect on the van.....

I've tried STP Carb cleaner and Gumout stuff that you put in the gas tank, some seemed to work a little and some didn't work at all....
The van doesn't always do this as stops, but 90% of the time. I put it in neutral or park when it stalls out and it starts up just fine. Rarely it stalls out when I'm on the freeway or taking a big turn.......

Can anyone help me out here, its driving me crazy and I don't want to put an oxygen sensor in every 6 months!!!

Thanks

[canaris]

Check out your MAF sensor....make sure the connector is not loose..after that you can check the EGR valve...try unplugging the connector to see if there is any difference.

[telepunk]

Hmm I'm not a mechanic, can you tell me what a MAF sensor and EGR valve are?

Thanks

[hforcier]

Originally Posted by telepunk

Ok hopefully someone can figure this out.

When I'm at a stop (red light usually) the RPM and oil gauge rev up and down together, and makes the engine rev, sometimes so much that it makes the car go forward some when i have my foot on the brake! Sooner or later if I don't move it stalls out. When I do press to accelerate it loses power and theres a delay to get power to get moving.....

I have had the oxygen sensor replaced twice and that worked both times for 6 months, then it came back again!

This time I had the spark plugs changed and the wires (I did these myself, I assume I did them right) this had no effect on the van.....

I've tried STP Carb cleaner and Gumout stuff that you put in the gas tank, some seemed to work a little and some didn't work at all....
The van doesn't always do this as stops, but 90% of the time. I put it in neutral or park when it stalls out and it starts up just fine. Rarely it stalls out when I'm on the freeway or taking a big turn.......

Can anyone help me out here, its driving me crazy and I don't want to put an oxygen sensor in every 6 months!!!

Thanks

You may try checking the fuel filter that is located near the gas tanks under the vehicle. I had a delay that was eliminated when i discovered that a garage had installed the fuel filter backwards for the previous owner. You can get the part at a local Walmart for a ridiculously low price. You can also see what the part is before you go looking for it on the fuel line.
If not the problem, then check for kinks in the fuel line and verify the fuel injectors to see if they are clean. You need power (spark), air, and fuel to make the engine work ... it is probably one of these.
I would suggest you look up the diagrams on this site: http://avigex.ca/xport/ They are the best I have seen ... You may have to spend some time to find what you need.

Hope this might help.

Best regards

[LMP]

Originally Posted by telepunk

Hmm I'm not a mechanic, can you tell me what a MAF sensor and EGR valve are?

Thanks

www.avigex.ca/xport/maf.jpg
www.avigex.ca/xport/maflocation.jpg
www.avigex.ca/xport/egrlin.jpg
MAF (Mass Air FLow) sensor measures the exact amount of air entering the engine and delivers fuel accordingly. If dirty, it responds with a lag that can induce oscillations. Dirty MAF can occur if car operated without or with damaged air filter. EGR valve recirculates exhaust gazes for more burning. Not a probable issue here but disconnecting it as suggested will clear that option.

[pizzaro223]

Get a book from Checker or Autozone and it will give you step by step info on how to fix most of you problemos. A scanner than plugs into that port on your lower dash helps alot too.