Engine stalls at idle--clueless!

[AngelSheaven]

Have you had any positive outcome with the stalling issue, I have a 2001 windstar that has the similar issues and trying to resolve.

[PFA]

HI
I ended up having two issues going on. The problem with stalling at idle seemed to be the idle air control. I never had a fuel pressure issue when this was happening. While trying to figure this out, my fuel pump was dying but, that posed a fuel pressure issue that I had to identify. I then changed out the IAC and haven't had the problem now for at least a week....and it was happening almost daily at least once a day.

The cheapest one I found was at Advance auto parts. If you do it online, you can put in a coupon code of P20 and get 20% off, just about anytime.
Hope this helps.

[12Ounce]

The rarest of all causes for stalling:

We all know of the popular/most likely causes for stalling: .... vacuum leaks, ....MAF, IAC, CPS, CkPS,- sensors ... dirty fuel filters, .... hi voltage leaks on ig coils, cables or spark plugs .... dirty, worn contacts on relays ....etc, etc.

But there is one other item to put on the bottom of the list, to be looked at after trying everything else: Low voltage output from the alternator. A lower, almost unmeaserable, difference in alternator output at low engine rpms can cause misery a number of ways .... fuel pump pressures can drop ... power relays can "fall out" ... marginal performing sensors can fail .... etc, etc.

[AngelSheaven]

Originally Posted by PFA

HI
I ended up having two issues going on. The problem with stalling at idle seemed to be the idle air control. I never had a fuel pressure issue when this was happening. While trying to figure this out, my fuel pump was dying but, that posed a fuel pressure issue that I had to identify. I then changed out the IAC and haven't had the problem now for at least a week....and it was happening almost daily at least once a day.

The cheapest one I found was at Advance auto parts. If you do it online, you can put in a coupon code of PT20 and get 20% off, just about anytime.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. I'm taking a break from solving this issue until after the new year, I have replaced the IAC already and now I have to look into the alternator and then the fuel pump. This is a big headache and I don't see myself passing this on to anyone else.

Thanks again.

[AngelSheaven]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

The rarest of all causes for stalling:

We all know of the popular/most likely causes for stalling: .... vacuum leaks, ....MAF, IAC, CPS, CkPS,- sensors ... dirty fuel filters, .... hi voltage leaks on ig coils, cables or spark plugs .... dirty, worn contacts on relays ....etc, etc.

But there is one other item to put on the bottom of the list, to be looked at after trying everything else: Low voltage output from the alternator. A lower, almost unmeaserable, difference in alternator output at low engine rpms can cause misery a number of ways .... fuel pump pressures can drop ... power relays can "fall out" ... marginal performing sensors can fail .... etc, etc.

thanks for all your suggestions, the one that stands out the most is the alternator output. I will have my mechanic run a check and see the out come. yesterday was the first time the van actually hesitated to restart and after 5 times it cranked on, so I was considering the fuel pump. I'm also disconnecting my alarm because I find that the engine wont start until the alarm goes through a sequence or rings first. Very wierd...

Thanks again I will keep you posted.

[PFA]

If you have a fuel pressure gauge, attach it to the schrader valve on the fuel rail, on the pass. side just above the alt. Check it while cranking, and while running. When you turn the key over to accessory position, you should hear an audible hum from the back area of the van. If you don't hear it, try it again, without trying to start it. If you don't get the hum, you're not getting pressure to start.
Good luck! and Merry Christmas!

Originally Posted by AngelSheaven

thanks for all your suggestions, the one that stands out the most is the alternator output. I will have my mechanic run a check and see the out come. yesterday was the first time the van actually hesitated to restart and after 5 times it cranked on, so I was considering the fuel pump. I'm also disconnecting my alarm because I find that the engine wont start until the alarm goes through a sequence or rings first. Very wierd...

Thanks again I will keep you posted.

[billn2]

If you're having an issue with the iac motor it should set a code. Sounds like you might just need to clean the throttle body out. Over time you get a lot of build up in there and eventually it will restrict the air passing between the throttle plate and the bore in the throttle body, which will cause it to idle rough or die when idling. I like to take the throttle body off when cleaning it, you get a better look at what you're doing. BG makes a good throttle body cleaner that cleans and lubricates, the lubricating will keep the plate from sticking when you're done. I wouldn't recommend using regular carb cleaner, cause you'll wash the tephlon off the inside of the bore. Get you some good cleaner and an old tooth brush and start spraying and scrubbing.