Engine erratic or stalls when put in gear while engine still cold

Hi,

This vehicle isn't offered in the US. However, I will try to help.

When you say there is an issue when it's cold, the first thing that comes to mind would be the coolant temperature sensor. This sensor tells the computer how cold it is and then the computer determines the air-fuel mixture needed to run the engine.

If the check engine light is on, I would recommend having the computer scanned for codes. That should point us in the right direction.

Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

If you have a scan tool that can read live data, check to see if the temperature sensor signal is close to the outside temperatures.

Let me know what you find.
Joe

Hi,

You are very welcome. I reread your original post. Since you are having poor fuel mileage, it could even be related to a faulty fuel pump regulator (pressure is too high). It's a theory at this point, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to check it.

Here is a link that explains in general how it is done. I'm adding it in the event you want to check the pressure. It should help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Let me know if that helps and what you find. Also, please feel free to ask questions because they may help me point you in the right direction.

Take care,
Joe

Hi,

If you have access to a live data scan tool, you should be able to check the coolant temperature sensor's signal to see if it is accurate. I wouldn't want you to replace it and find that wasn't the issue.

Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or need help.

Take care,
Joe

Hi,

I attached a copy of one of your pics below and circled two temperatures.

Was it -41° Celsius? Also, it shows 33°Celcius is the temperature of the air entering the engine. That is a really big difference.

Let me know if it was actually that cold when you checked this.

Joe

That is the likely problem. It is telling the computer it is -41°C and the computer is making the fuel mixture extremely rich so the engine can run under those extreme conditions. Basically, the engine is getting too much gas because it thinks it is that cold.

Replace the sensor and let me know if that takes care of the problem.

Take care,
Joe

Hi,

That sounds like a plan. I will watch for your reply.

Take care of yourself.

Joe

Hi,

I'm glad to hear that is fixed.

As far as the purge valve, it is a component of your Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system. This system restricts the fuel vapor in the fuel tank from escaping into the atmosphere. Basically, it allows the vapors to be stored in what is called a charcoal canister to be burned by the engine when it is actuated to do so.

Regardless, I'm glad it's fixed. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions or need help. You are always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

If there is a leak in the EVAP system, it could be causing the issue as well. You asked about the purge valve the other day. Have you taken care of that problem? Can you record what the vehicle is doing so I can see and hear it?

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

Yes, if you could do that in the morning, I would like to hear and see how it is acting.

Thanks,
Joe

That is good. The problem is several different things can cause an engine to act that way. Are there any odd smells such as a rich fuel mixture again? Have you rechecked the coolant sensor again to make sure the new one hasn't failed? Also, have you reconfirmed there are no engine vacuum leaks?

Joe