I got my idle control valve and throttle position replaced a couple days ago, but now my car stalls.
I got my 2003 Ford Focus idle control valve and throttle position replaced a couple days ago. Now when the engine is on and I put it in park it shuts off leaving only the radio on once in a while not all the time. What could it mean? Is it bad?
My car has 153788 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. It is possible that the part is defective, but most of the time this is because the computer has to relearn the new idle control valve. Sometimes, this can take a little while before it works correctly. It is also important to make sure that the throttle body is clean when the idle control valve is replaced, as a dirty throttle body can also cause this.
I will usually clean that first and then proceed to checking the idle control valve to see if it is defective. If you want to have this idling problem checked out, consider having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to determine why the car is idling improperly.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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When the idle air control valve fails, it inhibits the flow of air through the engine. When the car can`t receive air, it leads to engine stalling. The severity of this symptom can range from occasional stalling at first, to stalling immediately after ignition.
The most common reasons a Ford Focus engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
There are three major causes for a stalled engine: A lack of fuel, a lack of air flow and improper ignition. Running out of fuel is one of the most common causes of engine stalling, but dirty fuel injectors or a plugged fuel filter can also be the culprit. Your engine needs air to run properly as well.
Common signs include irregular or unusually high idle speed, the Check Engine Light coming on, and stalling while idling.
Many different problems could result in a rough idle for your car or truck, including: dirty fuel injectors, clogged air filters, bad spark plugs, and a variety of exhaust system issues.
A rough idling engine can be caused by spark plugs or spark plug wires. Spark plugs use the electrical current received from ignition coils to ignite the air/fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. A plug that is damaged or installed incorrectly can result in fuel being burned at an inconsistent rate.
It could be a dead alternator, a bad coolant sensor or lack of fuel, just to name a few. Is your car stalling while accelerating? If so, then it could be a major vacuum leak, clogged fuel filter or a bad fuel pump. If your vehicle is stalling when driving, seek professional help to track down and fix the issue.
Some of the most common sensors that lead to engine stalling include the mass airflow sensor (MAF), engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT) and manifold absolute pressure sesnsor (MAP). The idle air control valve (IAC) and exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR) are also well known for causing engine stalling.
Common causes of intermittent stalling may include a bad idle speed control (ISC) system, low fuel pressure, loss of ignition, vacuum or EGR leaks, or other problems we`ll get to later in this article.
What happens if idle air control valve is stuck open? If your car`s idle air control valve is stuck open, it will cause the engine to idle at a higher than normal rpm. This can lead to decreased fuel economy and increased wear and tear on the engine. In some cases, it can also cause the engine to stall.
One of the symptoms indicating that your ECM is not working properly is engine stalling or misfiring. Sometimes, this sign doesn`t show that there`s something wrong with the engine but that there`s a malfunction in the engine control unit. The chances are that the engine stalling won`t be consistent.
Yes. While the damage may seem small initially, the longer you drive with a bad oxygen sensor, the worse the damage will become. Eventually, you may experience rough idling, poor acceleration, engine misfires, an illuminated check engine light, and failed emission tests.
The valve body directs fluid flow to the torque converter clutch. As such, an issue within the valve body can cause torque converter clutch engagement issues, such as shuddering and stalling.
What happens if idle air control valve is stuck open? If your car`s idle air control valve is stuck open, it will cause the engine to idle at a higher than normal rpm. This can lead to decreased fuel economy and increased wear and tear on the engine. In some cases, it can also cause the engine to stall.
Your engine fuel injectors can collect grime, dirt, and soot leading to an air-fuel mixture imbalance for your car. When this happens, you may notice poor performance, rough idling, and inconsistent gas mileage over time.
What happens if idle air control valve is stuck open? If your car`s idle air control valve is stuck open, it will cause the engine to idle at a higher than normal rpm. This can lead to decreased fuel economy and increased wear and tear on the engine. In some cases, it can also cause the engine to stall.
What happens if idle air control valve is stuck open? If your car`s idle air control valve is stuck open, it will cause the engine to idle at a higher than normal rpm. This can lead to decreased fuel economy and increased wear and tear on the engine. In some cases, it can also cause the engine to stall.
incorrect idle speed: an iac valve that sticks in the closed position will create an idle speed that`s too low. your rpms will drop way down the car may feel like it`s about to stall. on the other hand, an iac valve that sticks in the open position will create an idle speed that`s too high.
incorrect idle speed: an iac valve that sticks in the closed position will create an idle speed that`s too low. your rpms will drop way down the car may feel like it`s about to stall. on the other hand, an iac valve that sticks in the open position will create an idle speed that`s too high.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I got my idle control valve and throttle position replaced a couple days ago, but now my car stalls.
ANSWER : Hello. It is possible that the part is defective, but most of the time this is because the computer has to relearn the new idle control valve. Sometimes, this can take a little while before it works correctly. It is also important to make sure that the throttle body is clean when the idle control valve is replaced, as a dirty throttle body can also cause this.
I will usually clean that first and then proceed to checking the idle control valve to see if it is defective. If you want to have this idling problem checked out, consider having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to determine why the car is idling improperly.
Got my rear main seal fixed, but my car keeps having a rough idle, cutting off & the Electronic Throttle Control Light is on.
ANSWER : It sounds like you may have a faulty electronic throttle control unit. The electronic throttle unit opens and closes the throttle blade based upon input from various engine control sensors, including the accelerator pedal. This unit also controls, among other things, the cruise control function as well. When this control unit fails, this may cause intermittent stalling issues and rough idle problems. This is usually repaired by removing and replacing the throtte control unit. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle at your earliest convenience.
High idling, jumping while idling, idle air control valve code
ANSWER : Hi there. This can be caused by the issues that you mentioned or a number of other things. You need to make sure all of the connectors are making good contact. I would then need to know what codes are in the computer to know if this is a circuit issue or not. Most of the time, it is not the circuit but instead a vacuum leak.
If there is a vacuum leak, then the vehicle will act like this and the computer cannot control the idle. Most of the time it is a bad hose or an EGR valve that is stuck open. That is the most common cause for this. I typically remove the EGR to check it to feel the diaphragm on the bottom of it to see if it is moving correctly. If you need to have this repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your car’s idling issue.
I recently replace the Cadillac converter it ran just fine for a day then I got coach saying the throttle position sensor was bad
ANSWER : Although you recently replaced the catalytic converter on your Mitsubishi, it’s possible that other fuel or emission system components are the cause of your high idle and hard to start issue.The engine idle is in many ways the pulse of your car and if it is running high, it could indicate a serious issue with the vehicle. A high idle can be caused from a number of issues, ranging from a faulty fuse to something a bit more complicated like a leaking vacuum hose. In order to pinpoint the source of your issues, I’d recommend having a mobile mechanic visit you to complete a engine idle speed is high inspection.
My car will not start Intermittently. I purchased a new battery 2 weeks ago and yesterday the car wouldn’t start. Got a jump and
ANSWER : The issue you are having is probably due to an intermittent fault in the starter motor itself or a deficiency in the starter electrical circuit, for example a large voltage drop due to a poor ground or a high resistance connection. These issues can be readily diagnosed and resolved on a mobile basis if you request a hard starting diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. Based on Toyota’s Factory Service Manual, the battery should not be disconnected if the vehicle engine is running. The battery acts as a large resistive voltage sink and consequently taking the battery out of the circuit, while the alternator is still running, can create a voltage spike on the car’s electrical system which is not good for voltage sensitive components such as the engine computer. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
I just replaced my egr valve and notice while driving for a couple of minutes my Electronic throttle Control light starts flashing
ANSWER : Hello. There are several components that can effect the electronic throttle control system. The issue may pertain to the recent work done, or may be a separate issue all together. The system depends on sensor inputs from all over the engine, and any one of them can give a reading that will trigger the throttle control warning light. The best thing to do is have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic codes. The light being on means the computer is trying to tell you something, and having that information can rule out a lot of options. Due to the recent repair, you should also make sure that the new EGR is installed properly. Any lose wiring connections or hoses will absolutely cause intermittent readings and a flashing effect. As the computer is always running tests, and so the light can turn off and on just as quickly. Do some more testing and take it from there.
Engine will not stay started. I have replaced idle control valve map sensor spark plugs spark plug wires no check engine light is
ANSWER : You have a problem with the distributor assembly. I recommend replacing the distributor assembly. This will replace all the possible sensors and coil for the ignition and fix the problem you have.
PCV hose broke, car stalled, replaced hose, car still stalling. Smell of gas (rich exhaust smell).
ANSWER : Hello. You do likely have a major boost leak or vacuum leak present. Volkswagen’s are very sensitive to any type of vacuum leak. On Volkswagen’s, even if the oil dipstick is is removed it will produce a vacuum leak cause the engine to idle erratically. I suggest that a smoke test is performed on your vehicle by a shop or technician which well help find the leak(s). A different way to test it is to spray starting fluid around your areas where a vacuum leak might be. The RPM’s increasing when spraying starter fluid would indicate that there is a vacuum leak present nearby the area being sprayed.
Please keep in mind that the technicians here at YourMechanic can perform such diagnostics.
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