I have a bit of a car dilemma. My manual transmission Opel Astra has recently started to stall haphazardly at intersections when slowing to a stop and idle. The weird thing is, it started doing this at this one intersection 1 minutes from my place in the mornings and then it’d be fine the rest of the day after the car “warmed up.” However, now it’s more recurrent and happening here and there when I’m slowing or idle. The engine starts to sound like it’s dying and then turns off. I have to hold down the accelerator nearly all the way to turn it back on, and obviously my revs spike when it finally turns on. I’ve noticed sometimes the revs will “bounce” up and down after I’ve done this.
Doing a little bit of research online it may be that my idle speed/RPM is too low and I need to adjust it. Could also be I need to get my spark plugs repaired. Also fuel filters, a vacuum leak, bad 02 sensors, idle air control valve or clogged catalytic converter. What do you guys think?
[quote]Gettnitdone wrote:
I have a bit of a car dilemma. My manual transmission Opel Astra has recently started to stall haphazardly at intersections when slowing to a stop and idle. The weird thing is, it started doing this at this one intersection 1 minutes from my place in the mornings and then it’d be fine the rest of the day after the car “warmed up.” However, now it’s more recurrent and happening here and there when I’m slowing or idle. The engine starts to sound like it’s dying and then turns off. I have to hold down the accelerator nearly all the way to turn it back on, and obviously my revs spike when it finally turns on. I’ve noticed sometimes the revs will “bounce” up and down after I’ve done this.
Doing a little bit of research online it may be that my idle speed/RPM is too low and I need to adjust it. Could also be I need to get my spark plugs repaired. Also fuel filters, a vacuum leak, bad 02 sensors, idle air control valve or clogged catalytic converter. What do you guys think?[/quote]
I would start by adjusting your idle speed and changing the spark plugs and do a once over of all the hoses.
It could be any number of things, I’ve had a lot of experience with this issue in my first car which was a 1985 Ford Laser. Could also be your distributor, your ignition coil, etc.
I hope you learned a lesson here? When it 1st started to act up it should have been addressed then. I would start with the spark plug replacement, and fuel injector replacement. Also in the owner manual their will be a detailed maintenance outline on what should be performed on your vehicle at specific millage marks. Those are in there because after certain millage points certain parts on the vehicle typically were out.
I would recommend you change the spark plugs, fuel filters. If that fixes the problem, go through the manual and find what has not been done in accordance with the manual at recommended millage markers and start to do those procedures.
What year? Carburated or fuel injected? There are quite a few things it could be either way, but I wouldn’t touch your idle until you’ve eliminated all the other possibilities… Increasing it will more likely just mask the underlying problem making it harder to diagnose later when it gets worse.
[quote]Broncoandy wrote:
What year? Carburated or fuel injected? There are quite a few things it could be either way, but I wouldn’t touch your idle until you’ve eliminated all the other possibilities… Increasing it will more likely just mask the underlying problem making it harder to diagnose later when it gets worse.[/quote]
^^this. Don’t add variables to the equation.
Change the fuel filter, usualy cheapest and easiest so start w/that. Does the clutch engage/disengage properly? Loose clutch could put too much load on the engine. Does it perform normally when running? That could help answer the vacuum leak question. Change/clean egr valve, idle control valve(if it has one).
Sounds like a full tune up. Probably good to change the serpentine belt too. If that is loose or worn it will also cause fluctuations in the electrical system which plays all kinds of havoc. A common manifestation I call “gremlins”.
Start by deciding how much the car is worth to you then take it to a mechanic. Most of the repairs recommended so far are inexpensive so they should come in under your predetermined financial cap. Once you have cleared all the minor/inexpensive repairs do not be afraid to walk away from the repair shop.
When I was in my early 20’s I spent $2,300 (plus $6,000 in manufacture warranties) trying to fix an electrical problem that 3 mechanics shops couldn’t figure out including the dealership. I ended up selling the truck and wishing I had that $2,300 for the new one.
do you keep your tank full or run it @1/2 most of the time? check for water or alge in your fuel tank.
how does your fuel pump sound? could have trash in in it.
does your exhaust smell strange?
if your battery is going or your alternator is not putting out the proper constant voltage will cause all kinds of problems.
?
[/quote]
water moisture will form on the sides of gas tanks that are constantly 1/2 full or so and things will grow. not as bad as diesel but will get into the fuel.
[quote]Testy1 wrote:
Hmm, I have never heard of things growing. Condensation sure, but gasoline is a pretty antiseptic environment.
All the testing we do is on newer components though so I guess it is possible.[/quote]
not sure exactly what it is thats growing but have found pieces in fuel lines and in tanks that I’ved changed.
we have to change the fuel filters several times a year for the diesels due to alge. we have a warmer climate here so that could be part of it.
[quote]JLone wrote:
Start by deciding how much the car is worth to you then take it to a mechanic. Most of the repairs recommended so far are inexpensive so they should come in under your predetermined financial cap. Once you have cleared all the minor/inexpensive repairs do not be afraid to walk away from the repair shop.
When I was in my early 20’s I spent $2,300 (plus $6,000 in manufacture warranties) trying to fix an electrical problem that 3 mechanics shops couldn’t figure out including the dealership. I ended up selling the truck and wishing I had that $2,300 for the new one. [/quote]
#1 reason why I don’t deal with mechanic’s anymore. Ever since getting a car that mantra “if you want something done right, do it yourself” has never been more true.
I went to the mechanic, dude was awesome. He basically cleaned my filters, replaced a hose and just generally cleaned around. It’s not shutting off anymore! He wasn’t sure these little touch ups would completely fix the problem so he didn’t charge me!
I only need the car to function for a month of so – I’m planning on selling it and getting a Suzuki.
