Engine stalls sometimes when I brake

[jerry1967]

My engine stalls sometimes when I brake but not all the time. Also the security light comes on sometimes. I just had my air condition charged but it does not run cold all the time.
What would cause the engine to stall?

The brake pedal seems low to me.

Buick Regal 2000, -160,000 miles
3800 engine

[GTP Dad]

Check the car for a vacuum leak. It sounds like there is a bad hose that is causing a lack of boost on the brakes and it would cause the engine to stall. The light probably comes on when the engine starts to stall so don't worry about it.

[jerry1967]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

Check the car for a vacuum leak. It sounds like there is a bad hose that is causing a lack of boost on the brakes and it would cause the engine to stall. The light probably comes on when the engine starts to stall so don't worry about it.

Ok thank you but I need a little instruction on how to check for vacume leak please.

[GTP Dad]

Checking a vacuum leak is not hard. Check the black hoses on top of the engine. The one I would check first the large black line leading to the brake booster. Since you are having a problem with stalling when you step on the brake. I would pull the valve out of the front and coat the rubber with a little vasoline. This will moisten the seal if it has dried out. Also the hose may have a crack in it. You can check the hose by pulling it off and seeing if it is cracked or damaged. If it is replace it.

[jerry1967]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

Checking a vacuum leak is not hard. Check the black hoses on top of the engine. The one I would check first the large black line leading to the brake booster. Since you are having a problem with stalling when you step on the brake. I would pull the valve out of the front and coat the rubber with a little vasoline. This will moisten the seal if it has dried out. Also the hose may have a crack in it. You can check the hose by pulling it off and seeing if it is cracked or damaged. If it is replace it.

Thank you- but is there a way you can put a picture on here. Being new to this kind of stuff I am lost.
If I pull the valve off will I lose pressure?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by jerry1967

but is there a way you can put a picture on here. Being new to this kind of stuff I am lost.

The vacuum line Lynn is referring to goes from the back of the UIM Plenum to the power brake booster. See pic and yellow arrow. If that is good then you may have a ruptured diaphragm in the power brake booster.

[jerry1967]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

The vacuum line Lynn is referring to goes from the back of the UIM Plenum to the power brake booster. See pic and yellow arrow. If that is good then you may have a ruptured diaphragm in the power brake booster.

Thank You but now I am having trouble starting the car.
I was told it could be the starter switch or the starter itself. If anybody has any ideas let me know please.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by jerry1967

Thank You but now I am having trouble starting the car.
I was told it could be the starter switch or the starter itself. If anybody has any ideas let me know please.

See reply at your new thread.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...=1#post5994641

[jerry1967]

I changed the ignition switch and the car is running now. Thank you for your help.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by jerry1967

I changed the ignition switch and the car is running now. Thank you for your help.

Yu're welcome Jerry and thanks for the feedback. And good job considering!