1993 Chevy Cavalier Stalls at Stops

1993 CHEVROLET TRUCK
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ONEDESTINY4U2006
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My daughter has a 1993 chevy cavalier that seems to want to stall when you have to come to a complete stop like at a stop light or intersection. It is idling funny sort of up and down. It just has come out of the shop and we had an ignition sensor put on it while it was in there. Can anyone out there help ease this extreme tension headache. If so email me at onedestiny4u2006@yahoo.com or PassionPitt@hotmail.com. :roll: [/b]
Feb 5, 2006 at 1:18 PM
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MVANNESSJR
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Does she exceed 45+ MPH prior to coming to the stop? If so, check the T.C.C. (Torque Convertor Clutch) Solenoid. If not, check the I.A.C. and T.P.S. Lastly check fuel pressure for a clauged fuel filter or failing fuel pump.
Feb 5, 2006 at 2:13 PM
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ONEDESTINY4U2006
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No she usually doesnt do over 45 miles per hour. We live in a small town most of our speed limits are lower than that. WE have had the fuel pump checked and one of the fuel filters have been replaced am going to find out which one of those today. If you would please tell me what all these abbreviations are in your reply to me. I would greatly appreciate it and thanks for replying.
Feb 5, 2006 at 9:47 PM
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MVANNESSJR
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Sorry, about that, I usually do. :)

I.A.C. -- Idle Air Control -- Responsible for regulating engine idle speed.

T.P.S. -- Throttle Position Sensor -- Reports to the computer the position of the throttle which is responsible for calculating the proper air/fuel mixture.

You may also want to check the M.A.P (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor.

The I.A.C. is the most costly to replace (over $100) for your vehicle. I recommend just having it cleaned. The M.A.P. sensor is cheap, about $30 for the part. The T.P.S. sensor is also rather cheap and goes for about $25-$30.
Feb 5, 2006 at 11:30 PM
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BLANE
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I just went through this with my niece's 1993. Turned out to be a dirty injection system. I was able to just use over the counter injector cleaner and it has cleared it up. But it definetly sounds like a fuel problem. Hope this helped
Feb 6, 2006 at 12:33 AM
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ONEDESTINY4U2006
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Thanks for letting me know about the abbreviations. Not sure I spelled that right but what the hell. I will be sure to keep these in mind. I have made one discovery. Wasn't long ago someone stole her gas cap so we bought a replacement. Car never died on me but i didnt drive it except home from the shop. This started after she filled it with gas so I have found a little of the bogging has something to do with the gas cap being screwed on to tight. Its doing better and for the lady who mentioned the over the counter injection cleaner I put a bottle in it last night to see if it would help. Guess we will know more after she drives it today. Thanks for all the input. I appreciate it. Oh and by the way someone told me that there is a faulty sensor that hooks to the transmission that could be causing stalling problems but my friend couldnt remember what the mechanic called it. She also drives a cavalier. If you might know the name of it please tell me. Thanks. :D
Feb 6, 2006 at 12:56 AM
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MVANNESSJR
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The name of the "sensor" is the Torque Convertor Clutch Solenoid. That will only be a problem if the car goes faster than 40MPH. Kind of what I was trying to get at earlier... :) However if she never broke 40MPH prior to the car stalling then that will not be the issue.

I have my doubts over-the-counter-two-dollar fuel injector cleaner will fix the problem. A true fuel injection service is between $80 to $120 depending on where you take it.

The gas cap is good information. The system may not be at the proper pressure.

Let me know how things turn out.
Feb 6, 2006 at 6:40 PM
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ONEDESTINY4U2006
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Well things aren't great pretty bad when I don't really want to drive. I took her to work this morning and drove it back home. The injection cleaner makes it run a little quieter but no real signs of performance improvement. Idling was irratic not sure if it being early morning had anything to do with it. I am going to take it to a mechanic and let him check out all these things you have told me about. The car was not really taken good care of before we got it. My daughter has pretty much babied it since she got it. Hopefully we will get to the bottom of it. Can you tell me where the IAC would be located on that car. Seems to me it should be on the top of the car somewhere. I had this go wrong with a pontiac once. This does seem real similar. Think of anything else let me know.
Feb 6, 2006 at 10:32 PM
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Suggested Repair

Because the stalling occurs without driving above about 40-45 mph, do not focus on the torque converter clutch solenoid. Have the idle air control valve cleaned and inspect the throttle position sensor, manifold absolute pressure sensor, and fuel pressure, including the fuel filter and pump. A professional fuel-injection service is preferable to inexpensive cleaner. Also confirm that the replacement gas cap seals properly and is not overtightened.

Conversation Summary

A 1993 Chevy Cavalier stalls and idles unevenly when coming to a complete stop after an ignition sensor replacement. The owner said speeds are usually below 45 mph, the fuel pump was checked, and a fuel filter was replaced. An expert recommended checking the idle air control valve, throttle position sensor, manifold absolute pressure sensor, and fuel pressure, while explaining that the torque converter clutch solenoid applies only after higher-speed driving. Another owner suggested injector cleaner, but the expert doubted an inexpensive cleaner and recommended a professional injection service. The owner later associated some bogging with an overly tight replacement gas cap and reported little improvement from cleaner before planning a mechanic visit.

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