My engine stalls when idling or when in gear?

Tiny
DORIS1BOB
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Starts fine in park and neutral. Runs in park, neutral and reverse. Shuts off when put in drive. Can hold brake, rev up, and put in drive, then it will idle, but shuts off when step on gas pedal. Help!
Friday, June 23rd, 2017 AT 11:32 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,637 POSTS
This is common when you have a vacuum leak or the throttle bore needs to be serviced. here are three guides to go over when fixing the problem:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

and

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

and

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

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
FASTEDDIE0968
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 221,563 MILES
When you start the engine it will rev to 3,500 to 4,500 RPM then come down 2 idle speed and then there will be a pop and a whoosh sound and the vehicle would shut off! Sometimes when you first turn the key on you hear some kind of valve or sensor click shut it actually sounds like a heater door closing but it's in the engine compartment it is the component that makes the noise before it's makes the huge sucking/whoosh sound.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi Fasteddie,

Do you think you can get a recording of this noise? I can't pin point what it could be so I am hoping hearing it will get me on the same page with you.

Also, can you provide the last 8 of your VIN so I can see how the vehicle is equipped?

As for the high RPM, that is normally due to a vacuum leak. Clearly it seems like it would be related to the noise but without knowing what the noise is yet, we need to check for a vacuum leak.

Here is a guide that explains this and shows how to test for one:

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

Let me know and we can go from there. Thanks
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KISHAMCCOY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
My car shuts off when I come to a stop or back up. I have had a new timing belt put on, engine control module put on, and a new heater core. It runs fine but I have to keep restating it. I would like to know what I need to do to fix this issue.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com. This could be the result of a few things. First, I am going to recommend checking for engine vacuum leaks. Here is a video that will guide you:

https://youtu.be/4ktw1X4W_-k

If no leaks are found, I would question the idle air control valve, IAC. Here is an explanation of its function and how it works:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-idle-air-control-valve-works

Here are directions on how to clean one:
https://www.2carpros.com/questions/how-to-clean-idle-air-control-valve

I have attached two pictures to help you locate it. If it needs removed removed for cleaning or replaced, just disconnect the electrical connector from it. Then there are two torx screws which hold it in the throttle body. Remove the screws and the IAC. Replacement is opposite of removal.

I hope this helps.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LAQWANDA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 22,686,546 MILES
I changed the fuel pump on the car it cranks and run for like a second and then shuts off.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Have you checked fuel pressure to make sure it is within the manufacturer's specifications? If you haven't, that is where I would start. Even though it is a new pump, it could be bad.

Here is a link that shows how it is done:

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

Here are the manufacturer's specs for pressure:

2001 Chrysler Truck PT Cruiser L4-2.4L VIN B
Pressure
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Fuel Pressure Specifications Pressure, Vacuum and Temperature Pressure
PRESSURE

Fuel System Pressure

Deadhead Pressure 880 kpa (130 psi)
Regulated Pressure 400 +/- 14 kpa (58 +/- 2 psi)

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARY ANN NORMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 26,281 MILES
Changed the fuel pump, it idles fine but when you give it gas it stalls. What is wrong?
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, the first thing I would do is verify the fuel pressure. If it is low, this will happen.

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

Fuel System Pressure

Deadhead Pressure 880 kpa (130 psi)
Regulated Pressure 400 +/- 14 kpa (58 +/- 2 psi)

Roy

NOTE: The electric fuel pump is not serviceable. If the fuel pump or electrical wiring harness needs replacement, the complete fuel pump module must be replaced.

WARNING: release fuel system pressure before servicing fuel system components. Service vehicles in well ventilated areas and avoid ignition sources. Never smoke while servicing the vehicle.

REMOVAL
1. Remove fuel filler cap and perform Fuel System Pressure Release procedure.
2. Remove the air cleaner lid, disconnect the inlet air temperature sensor and makeup air hose.
3. Remove the negative battery cable.
4. Raise vehicle and support.
5. Remove fuel tank.
6. Clean top of tank to remove loose dirt and debris.
7. Disconnect fuel filter lines from fuel pump A module.

Fig.19 Fuel Pump Module Locknut
imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

8. Using Special Tool # 6856 Fuel Pump Module. Ring Spanner, remove locknut to release pump module (Fig. 19).

WARNING: the fuel reservoir of the fuel pump module does not empty out when the tank is drained. The fuel in the reservoir may spill out when the module is removed.

9. Remove fuel pump module and seal from tank. Discard seal.

INSTALLATION
1. Wipe seal area of tank clean. Place a new seal between the tank threads and the pump module opening.
2. Position fuel pump module in tank. Make sure the alignment tab on the underside of the pump module flange sits in the corresponding notch in the fuel tank.

CAUTION: Over Tightening the pump lock ring may result in a leak.

3. While holding the pump module in position, install locknut. Tighten locknut to 74.5 Nm (55 ft. lbs) torque using special tool # 6856.
4. Install fuel tank.
5. Lower vehicle.
6. Install the negative battery cable. A
7. Install the air cleaner lid, connect the inlet ail temperature sensor and makeup air hose.
8. Fill fuel tank with clean fuel. Use the DRB scan tool to pressurize the system and check for leaks.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You also need to check the throttle body and make sure there is no carbon deposits on the plate.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-throttle-body-works

I attached some guides for the cleaning below for you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Roy

The content of this article reflects the changes called out by TSB 26-07-00.

REMOVAL

1. Remove the air cleaner lid, disconnect the inlet air temperature sensor and makeup air hose.
2. Remove the negative battery cable.
3. Remove the engine cover or throttle control shield if equipped.

Fig.16 Throttle Cable Attachment To Throttle Body
imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

Fig.17 Disconnecting Throttle Cable
imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

4. Remove throttle cable from the throttle body lever (Fig. 16) and (Fig. 17).
5. Lift the retaining tabs on the cable and slide cable out of bracket.
6. If equipped with speed control, remove speed control cable from throttle lever by sliding clasp out hole used for throttle cable.
7. Remove EVAP purge hose from nipple on throttle body.
8. Remove the electrical connectors from the throttle position sensor and idle air control motor.
9. Remove 2 screws holding cable mounting bracket and support bracket.

Fig.18 Throttle Body Bolts
imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

10. Remove throttle body mounting bolts (Fig. 18).

Fig.19 Throttle Body Removal/Installation
imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

11. Lift throttle body straight up and to remove the throttle body (Fig. 19).
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NOLUCKLULU
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
2003 PT, 4cl, 74,000 miles. Car Idles rough with the AC on, almost wanting to shut off. The past 3 times when I have put it in reverse it has died. I would just like to learn more about the car I am always putting money in. Thank you :)
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Lets start by checking up on the IACV ( idle air control valve ) this is the one that suppose to maintain the idle. The computer when it gets a signal from the AC that the compressor is On-the computer turns around and tell the IACV to raise the idle due to the AC load on the engine.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)

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