I am stopped at a traffic light, or waiting to turn it stalls suddenly

1999 CADILLAC STS
140,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JSBOND
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
When I first start the car, no matter how cold, I can let it idle in 'park' for an extended period of time and it NEVER dies. The minute I drive it..be it a short distance (i.e. just to the post office), if I am stopped at a traffic light, or waiting to turn (in other words, idling "in gear") is when it dies. This happens whether the car has JUST been started, or after I drive it 72 miles to Lewiston and am at a light. Thought it was weird it wouldn't die, sitting in park, in the first place. Just had a tuneup and fuel pump replaced, so not that. When it dies, it dies cold...no chugging or anything...and, so far, will immediately restart without issue or effort. Still, unnerving for this to happen, albeit intermittently (of course), at a busy intersection.

Thanks for anyone's advice.
Jan 17, 2015 at 11:48 AM
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HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
try cleaning throttle plate on both sides and iac hole with choke cleaner they get gummy and do what you have as a problem.
Jan 17, 2015 at 1:10 PM
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STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,872 POSTS
I agree with HMAC300, I would service the throttle body and replace the idle air control valve, here is the location in the images below. Here is two guides you can go over which will help us understand what's going on.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
Oct 23, 2024 at 6:46 PM
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