Q: my car feels like it wants to stall when I have to stop at lights

asked by on April 01, 2017

all of a sudden my car acts like it has a hard time not dying when I have to break for a light or stop. It struggles and now the check engine light came on today.

My car has 52000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Idle Control Valve Replacement $162.54 - $1028.01 Get a Quote

Hi there. You may have a dirty or failing idle air control valve. The idle air control valve reads the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine at low speeds and at idle. Since this valve is controlled by the vehicle’s computer, it will adjust idle speed based upon other measurements such as engine temperature, intake air temperature and electrical system load or voltage. When you accelerate, the engine RPM increases, and as you let off the gas, the RPM slowly returns to the normal idling speed with the help of the idle air control valve. When the engine RPM drops below the normal range of about ~800 RPM, this often times will cause the engine to stall indicating a dirty or faulty idle air control valve.I might be a good idea to have a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a idle control valve replacement.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Oil light on
Hello. The PVC valve shouldn’t cause your oil light to come on. Most likely, the problem is that the oil is low, which would cause the light to come on. The oil pressure could be faulty, which would also cause...
Brakes stiff and loud
Hello. It sounds like you could have a couple of different problems. The brakes seem to be worn out and you have a possible problem with your brake booster. The ABS and traction light being on means that there is...
got a code for p1870
These transmissions have problems with the valve bodies wearing out internally. If the valve body was replaced in your transmission when it was rebuilt, I suggest bringing it back to that technician to have it inspected under warranty. If the...
Car won't turn over but has new battery
YourMechanic next door was most likely correct and you have a problem with the key anti-theft system disabling the vehicle. You will either have to have a specialized locksmith come to you, program the key and make new ones, or...
Put a new transfer case on, now tranny won't shift out of first unless I do it manually
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2000 GMC Sierra 1500. Your transmission and ABS system need a vehicle speed reference to operate correctly. The transfer case has two speed sensors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/speed-sensor-replacement) located at the rear extension housing. Inspect...
Performance issues when driving and idling, RPM dropping abruptly
The symptoms you are describing are almost always caused by a bad catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement). When this fails it clogs the exhaust, which causes these problems to occur. Do a back pressure test on the exhaust first. If that is...
Do I have to "burp" my radiator?
No you do not. You should make sure the overfill expansion tank is filled to the full line when engine is cold. Use 50/50 coolant mix.
Running lean on bank 2
Hello and thanks for writing in. Code P0174 relates to a lean fuel condition which is typically caused by a faulty mass air flow sensor or potentially a vacuum leak beyond the mass air flow sensor causing the reading of...
Clutch won't engage 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
Hello - your clutch is operated by a hydraulic master cylinder/slave cylinder arrangement (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/how-does-a-hydraulic-clutch-system-work). If the failure was sudden, as you describe, it's likely a hydraulic fluid (rubber) hose that failed, but that should be confirmed before parts are ordered...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe
The The Chevy Tahoe has always been one of the most popular SUVs on the market, and this trend continued in 2012. As always, the vehicle proved to be reliable and powerful, with plenty of space and features that people...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford F-450
The The 2012 Ford F-450 is a serious truck with major towing and hauling capacity. What it lacks in gas mileage, it more than makes up for in durability, suspension, power, and torque. Plus, with a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission,...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist
Buick Buick has entered the hybrid market in a big way with the 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist model. It has all of the same great looks and features that you would expect from a luxury sedan from Buick. However, the...