2001 Taurus Stalls?

[01Taurus]

I have a 2001 Taurus. Every once in a while when I start it, it stalls. If I put my foot on the gas its fine, but as soon as I let off it dies. Sometimes if I just pull the key out of the ignition and start all over it is fine. Other times the car needs to sit for a little while (20 - 30 mins). I have even driven the car like this and it seems to stop stalling out after a few mins. Any ideas what may be causing this problem?

I also notice when it is dark outside and I put the windows up (power windows) the head lights become dimmer. - This may be a completly different problem or a common thing with these vehicles. Please let me know what you think. Thanks

[Froze_Tread]

Tourqe converter locking up could do this. Low power from the alt and battery would cause this since not enough voltage to keep the ignition system and fuel pump running at proper rpm which can is usuaally caused by bad battery connections from what i have seen. Also fuel pumps can loose thier pressure and do this but i have not seen this very much on ford it was more of a Chevy problem but it is possible.
What driving conditions does this happen in usually, warm, cold, rain, engine warm or cold and im guessing always at stops? or is it just completely random seaming?

[01Taurus]

It only happens every once in while when the car is started. It has done it when the engine is warm and when the engine is cold. It has done it on cool days (70s - low 80s) and hot days. I haven't had the car during the winter, I just bought it a few months ago. Is there any ways I can check the torque converter myself or is that a job for a pro? I will check the battery connections. Thanks!

[Froze_Tread]

I dont know these cars very well yet but some have a torque converter lockup clutch that goes baed that causes similier symptoms. Unplugging this will tell u if it is the problem or not usually. One other thing that would cause stalling would be a cam sensor going out which is a bit envolved to check, The IAC motor going out which is a pretty easy check on most vehicles. and the passage around that valve being clogged. One other thing is Fuel and fuel pressure being to low to run the car.

[jjursic]

I'm not sure it's the same problem, but my 2001 started taking several attempts to start at about 35,000 miles. Turned out the fuel pump had some faulty valve that let the gas run back into the tank instead of keeping it in the lines when the car was turned off, hence, it took several attempts to pump the fuel to the engine. Obviously, it was worse when I parked on any kind of an incline. I was just happy it happened within 1000 miles of the warrenty expiring:-)