QuestionQUESTION: Roland,
I see many questions about these cars stalling but I can't seem to find a straight answer about mine.
I have a 2000 Cirrus that stalls at idle while warming up, or while driving, or while at a light.
I've replaced the distributor twice, the crank sensor twice.
I get NO codes before - during (freeze data) - or after. I have a pretty good scanner that can give me live data also.
I can't seem to find the problem. I've tested the temp sensor also.
The other day i drove it for a very short time: it didn't stall but wouldn't restart (I got to start after i discon the neg term for about 10 sec) but it stalled at the intersection. I did get it to restart but about 2 miles down the road it stalled while going about 35mph. this time it wouldn't restart til it cooled down. The odd thing is it had only gotten up to 125 degrees.
One thing I've found odd though, Today I let it idle in my driveway with the hood up (about 45 min) and it didn't stall but when I closed the hood it stalled within minutes (by this time it's at operating temp). But it won't restart with hood down or up until it cools down for awhile.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
John
ANSWER: Hi John,
When it won't restart do you have spark while cranking and do you hear the fuel pump run for a second when you turn the ignition to 'run'?
Other than an electrical intermittent that becomes solid, and thus noticeable, the two reasons I can think of have to do with mixture: a marginally accurate MAP sensor (but not so bad as to set a code) or an EGR valve that is sticking slightly ajar. Therefore, watch the live data for the MAP reading to see if it is reasonable and steady over time when not moving the throttle, and check the stem of the egr valve to be sure that its internal spring-action closes it tightly and that it moves freely via the tip of a screwdriver in the slot of the valve stem. If I think of another possibility I will send you a revised answer.
Please let me know if you have success.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer.
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QUESTION: checked the EGR seems to move and seal properly
The MAP sensor data changed slightly at idle 9.7-10.3 (HG)
The fuel pump does kick on.
I'm not sure about the spark - I don't have a helper til 6:30 I'll let you know after then.
ANSWER: I'll await results of the spark or not.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: No spark when this happens
AnswerHi John,
Check the rotor when it is shut down for continuity between the tip and the spring clip. Also, check the crank sensor signal and the cam (distributor) sensor signal when shut down by putting the key in run and then turning the engine by hand via the crank pulley bolt. The sensor signal should oscillate between 5v and 0.3v several times per revolution. Either might be weak but not set a fault code. The cap might be cracked is another possibility. If I think of anything else I will get back to you. Let us hope its not another distributor!
Roland
