Come to a stop, it constantly stalls?

1993 OLDSMOBILE CIERA
63,000 MILES • 3.3L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DON SZERENCITS SR
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  • 1 POST
when I come to a stop, it constantly stalls, but will start right up. when I am driving it seems to sputter.
Oct 20, 2021 at 3:05 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

Here are a few guides that will help with this issue as I suspect we have an issue with fuel pressure.

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

If it does, it could be the crank sensor signal dropping out at idle and while moving.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

I attached a picture of the location of the sensor for you.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Roy

Oct 20, 2021 at 7:36 PM
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CUT213
  • MEMBER
  • 37 POSTS
Could be a vacuum leak. Those are classic vacuum leak symptoms. That car has enough age that the vacuum lines could crack and leak, causing those exact symptoms. Stalling at stops and starting right back up, sputtering while drive at light throttle demand. I would start by locating the MAIN vacuum source for the vehicles needs, under the hood, and plug it off completely. See if the idle becomes smooth and stead again. If it does....start replacing vacuum hoses. That's what happen to my Ciera. Just something simple you can check and very low cost repairs. Some where on that engine is the MAIN vacuum hose that feeds everything that is vacuum operated....except the power brake booster. Plug that off, with the engine idling, and listen to the engine, see if the engine starts running smoother as you plug off that main vacuum source!!! Just something simple to try. Might quickly reveal something you might have missed. Good luck!!!
Jul 14, 2026 at 8:31 PM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,286 POSTS
Yep good call, it can be the throttle body needs to be serviced or a vacuum leak like you say, here is a video to help find the leak.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xN5pcM-5bso

Please go over this video.
Jul 15, 2026 at 10:12 AM
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