QuestionReason: Stalling and difficulty starting the vehicle
Car: 98 Eclipse GS (2.0 L/automatic) w/108k mi.
Maintenance: Timing belt/transmission/fuel injectors flushing done at 94k mi; fuel injectors flushing at 106k mi
The car hesitates whenever it starts up. If I don't crank it strongly, it may half start up
and the car shakes and the engine dies in around 10 seconds. Sometimes (once a week) it stalls
when at a stop or when decelerating. When it stalls, sometimes the car shakes and the engine
dies. Other times it would just die on me especially during deceleration. Once I was parallel parking and I was in park mode, the RPM fluctuate from 0.6 to 0.8, then the engine just died.
Recently, I've done a fuel injector cleaning plus changing the spark plugs and fuel filter but it didn't make a difference. I even started using premium gas. During those periods (once or
twice a week), the car would start up only after five to ten attempts (before and after work/I
live in Southern California).
I took the car to the dealership for a full inspection (and for the ball joint recall). They
told me they couldn't find anything wrong with the car. For the next three weeks, the car
performed without any problems and the ignition started easily. After a while, I've noticed
starting the car wasn't that smooth, and within a month, the car is stalling again (this time
at a red light).
I was thinking may be there was a loose wire or something that might be causing this.
Additional, my cigarette lighter is not working. I've noticed that sometimes my side door
would beep for a couple of seconds and stop while most of the time it would beep for some
time. Furthermore, occasionally door lights on both sides would not turn on even if the door
is opened. Lastly, there is a high pitch shrieking noise whenever I turn the steering wheel to the max either left or right (worse when the vehicle is moving). It intensifies whenever the heater or AC is on. (I think it's the power steering pump. There is plenty of power steering fluid in the car.)
Any insight into this matter would be highly appreciated. Thanks.
AnswerH,
As for your high pitch screeching, that is most likely being caused by a loose or worn drive belt. This can also be caused by a worn out belt tensioner. If your drive belts (alternator, A/C, power steering) have not been changed within past 40K miles, you should have them replaced. A loose or worn alternator belts can cause the eletrical and stalling problems you're experiencing. You should have your alternator load tested.
Other items to keep an eye on are your vehicle speed sensor, throttle position sensor, idle speed controller, fuel pump, starter motor, O2 sensor(s), and even the battery cables.
Good luck!
