My car shuts off after idling down

CHARLENE BOYD

MEMBER
1998 SATURN SL1
2WD
AUTOMATIC
215,000 MILES

After my car sitting for about 24 hours, I went to run to the store. When I first turned the key it started up, idled up to 2,000 rpm and when it came back down to normal idling it sputtered and shut off. I tried to start it again and it kept barely sputtering. I turned it off, waiting a minute or two and it did the same as when I first started, idling at 2,000 rpm then sputtering off. I kept going through this situation for about ten minutes but I did not want to ruin the battery. I have had countless issues with this vehicle and recently I have had: tension pulley and serpentine belt replaced, plugs, wires, and coil packs replaced.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

There are a few things that can cause idle issues. The first component I question is called an idle air control valve (IAC). The IAC is responsible for allowing metered air to enter the engine so it can run at an idle. The component is located on the throttle body and very easy to remove. I would suggest removing it and inspecting it for carbon build up. Here are the directions for removal and replacement. Also, these directions discuss what to check. Pictures 1 and 2 correlate with these directions.

Also, here is a link that discusses an engine stall at idle.

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

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REMOVAL
1. Turn ignition Off.
2. Remove air intake tube and resonator.
3. Remove electrical connector from the IAC valve.
4. Remove screws and IAC valve.

NOTE:
The IAC valve is an electrical component and must not be soaked in any liquid solvent; otherwise damage could result.

5. Remove O-ring from IAC valve and discard.

INSTALLATION

1. Clean the IAC valve seating surfaces on the throttle body to assure proper seal of the new O-ring and contact of the IAC valve flange.

NOTE:
Before installing a new IAC valve, retract the pintle using the Scan tool. Refer to Scan tool operating instructions.
Normal wear of the IAC pintle, characterized by a ring around the cone, is not an indication of a bad IAC valve.
If replacement is necessary, be sure to replace with an identical part. IAC valve pintle shape and diameter are designed for specific applications.

2. Lubricate new Oring with clean engine oil and install on IAC valve.
3. Insert IAC valve in throttle body.
4. Install IAC valve attaching screws using thread coating, Saturn P/N 21485277 (Loctite 242 Threadlocker or equivalent).

Torque: 3 NM (27 in. lbs)

5. Connect electrical connector to IAC valve. Push in connector until a click is heard and pull back to confirm a positive engagement.

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If you find that isn't the issue, next I would recommend checking for engine vacuum leaks which can cause a very low idle or stalling.

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

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Lets start with that much. Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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