Stalls at idle ONLY when outside temperature gets HOT??

[zr2monster]

This 1996 Cavalier 2.2L is black on black with 80,000 miles. Great vehicle history! On a really hot day, when driving in traffic, the car normally gets really hot. When this happens the car starts to miss, and sputter and lose all or most throttle response with no power. I am able to shift in neutral, or park, turn the key to the off position, shut the car down, and restart. 8/10 times this works and I am able to get to the next stop light. I've replaced the map sensor, but that doesn't seem to be the problem. The shop has spent numerous hours with it hooked up to diagnostics, and came up with nothing. Please HELP!!

[Helmuth48]

Hey Mate, let me see...there was guy who's car acted up with chick's in the car. So if you and him could get HOT Chicks and the car runs bad...Who cares !!!! Park your car, take your chopper, the Hot Chick and ride, baby, ride......

Donk told me to shut up! and get serious...OK....

I assume NO DTC's..... I know the ECT sensor, provides feedback to the ECU to compensate for cold/hot engine conditions.

Circuit Description

The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor uses a thermistor in order to control the signal voltage to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM supplies a voltage on the signal circuit to the sensor. When the engine is cold, the sensor resistance is high, therefore, the ECT signal voltage will be high.
As the engine warms, the sensor resistance becomes less and the voltage drops. At the normal engine operating temperature, the voltage will be between 1.5 and 2.0 volts at the ECT signal terminal.
The ECT sensor controls the following items:
The fuel delivery
The torque converter clutch (TCC)
The ignition control (IC)
The evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge valve
The idle air control (IAC) valve
The electric cooling fan

Cheers Mate....but I still would take the HOT Chicks on my chopperk, over the car !!!
JzJzz and the Man from Down Under...

[inafogg]

it sounds like its stalling because of an overheating problem.have you checked to see the cooling fans are working??no dabri is restricking radiator??Good Luck

[zr2monster]

I have actually replaced the ECT sensor and that doesn't solve the problem. the cooling fans are working well, i've seen them turn on and the engine temperature always stays right where it needs to be. The engine is not overheating, it seems to be an electrical problem. The spark plug wires have not been replaced in a long time and I have an inclination that this might be the problem. whatcha think??

I love hot chicks in my car!!!!

[inafogg]

no i dont think the wires are causing your problem. what do you mean
""the car normally gets really hot??""

[zr2monster]

The car starts to sputter and miss, then eventually stalls out when the underhood temperatures get hot. Hotter than on a cool day. Its nuts!!

[inafogg]

your going to have to check for spark/fuel when car acts up.thats the only way you'll no what is going on.it could be that the coil is acting up when it gets hot.you can have it tested or like i said wait & check it when its acting up.Good Luck!!!

[Helmuth48]

Hey Mate.....here is one more place to check....got to be fuel or spark !!!

When the engine gets hotter than the Outback....What is your oil pressure at idle ? You don't know....cuz ya, only have a light....you should be slapped like a ugly dingo.!!!

With oil wts. 5/30 or 10/30....the oil pressure may be dropping real low due to the extreme heat and shutting off the fuel pump circuit. Or... the oil pressure sender is bad.

If I am wrong....Dong will slap the KaRoo out-of me !!! Cheers :}

JzJzz...and Donk..he hopes I am wrong !!!!