Car that stalls when idle and at stops?

2014 CHEVROLET IMPALA
138,000 MILES • 2.5L • AUTOMATIC
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JENSENJ1987
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  • 1 POST
Our Impala with the 2.5l ecotec stalls when idle and at traffic lights, has hard starting and rough low idle. Codes showed to replace cam shaft position sensors, we replaced both along with the vvt solenoids with no results. Also changed the oil at that time as well. We also cleaned the rocker arm solenoid and found bits of plastic, same when we removed the vvt solenoid. There is a ticking sound but it is coming from the back of the engine, and not where the timing chain is located. Does it still sound like a timing chain issue? Or should we also try replacing the crankshaft position sensor as well. Video included of engine running.
Jul 12, 2026 at 11:25 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I would not replace the crankshaft sensor, that will not help. That fact that you found plastic means the timing chain guides are broken and this is why the codes are coming up and you have the noise. I would remove the valve cover and use a flashlight to see if you can confirm the failure, you might need to remove the timing chain cover as well. Here are the diagrams you need to do the job, I would replace the timing chain as well. thanks for the video. Check out the images (below). Please let me know what happens.
Jul 13, 2026 at 2:56 PM
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