Car shuts off when you let go of gas and check engine light is on

Tiny
DOSHAC
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 294,000 MILES
The car will run good 60-70 mph as long as you keep your foot on the gas pedal but as soon as you take your foot of the gas it shuts off. It will start right back up but you can not let off the accelerator. Check engine light is on. It coded MAF sensor. Changing the sensor didn't change anything.
Tuesday, October 20th, 2020 AT 12:51 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked for engine vacuum leaks as well as the idle air control valve (IAC)? The IAC is what maintains engine idle speed.

Here is a link that explains the most common cause of a stall at idle condition. Take a look through it and see if anything helps.

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

Here are directions to service the IAT:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service

Here are directions on how to find an engine vacuum leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Start with checking those things first. I have the specifics on the IAC. It is located on the throttle body. I attached a pic below showing what it looks like. The pintel, which I circled, is what allows a specific amount of air to enter the TB when the throttle plate is closed (idle). If it is plugged and air can't get in, it will stall the engine.

Let me know what code was originally found and what you find.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, October 20th, 2020 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
DOSHAC
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I don't know what the code was. I took it to O'reilly's and they checked the engine light and said it was the MAF sensor, so I bought it and replaced it. Nothing changed. I've also changed the MAP sensor, the EGR, the TPS and the coils. We also put a fuel filter on it today still nothing has changed.
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Tuesday, October 20th, 2020 AT 10:53 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked to see if there are any vacuum leaks? Also, is it possible for you to have it rescanned? Something may have changed since you replaced the parts.

Let me know.
Joe
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Wednesday, October 21st, 2020 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
DOSHAC
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
How do you check for vacuum leaks?
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Thursday, October 22nd, 2020 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Here is a link that explains how to locate a leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge
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Thursday, October 22nd, 2020 AT 6:34 PM

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