Engine stalls when braking

VAUGHN GRUENEWALD

MEMBER
1994 SATURN SL2
1.9L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
170,000 MILES

When I apply the brakes my car stalls at a stop or when slowing down to a stop. And when braking my turn signals illuminate on the dash. Anyone know what it might be.

Sunday, February 9th, 2020 AT 3:03 PM

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,749 POSTS

Hi,

You have a couple things happening. The signal lights turning on indicates a bad ground at the rear lights. What is happening is there is a poor ground for the brake lights. So, power is back feeding anywhere it can to make a ground. In this case, through the signal light circuit.

As far as the stall. If you are sitting with the vehicle running and in neutral, does it stall if you press the brakes? If it does, then either we are dealing with an engine vacuum issue or it could be related to a ground issue.

I will help with the signal lights once I determine what is happening with the stalling. However, I feel they may be related via a bad ground.

Let me know.

Joe

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Sunday, February 9th, 2020 AT 9:23 PM

VAUGHN GRUENEWALD

MEMBER
3 POSTS

It does stall in neutral if parked when brakes are applied.

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Monday, February 10th, 2020 AT 6:15 AM

VAUGHN GRUENEWALD

MEMBER
3 POSTS

And what side would the ground be on for rear lights?

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Monday, February 10th, 2020 AT 6:17 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,749 POSTS

Hi,

You need to check for an engine vacuum leak. I suspect it is at the power brake booster. Follow this link and let me know what you find.

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

I'm not sure what you mean by what side the ground is on. Can you explain?
Joe

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Monday, February 10th, 2020 AT 4:26 PM