Pontiac Repair: Pontiac Montana Problems, pontiac montana, converter clutch

Question
I have a 1999 Pontiac Montana mini-van.  I am currently having problems trying to diagnose a problem.  Recently the van has stalled out when i either come to a stop light or stop sign.  It starts up right away.  It is also jerking after I come to a stop light.  It will jerk, then make a noise then I can finally go.  I really have no idea where to start in order to diagnose the problem.  I am thinking about putting some fuel injector cleaner in my gas tank for starters, but other than that I am looking for some help.  If you can give me some advice that would be great.

Answer
Hi Alex:

Injector cleaner is not going to fix the problem but it will not hurt. Use Chevron Techron cleaner it works great! Does this vamn by any chance have a 3 speed transmission in it? Most of thme are 4 sppeds but I have seen a few with 3 speeds. if it's a 3 speed I would ssuspect a possable issue with the trorque converter clutch sticking on causing the stall. It will feel like a standard tranmission that you forget to push the clutch in at a stop. Has any service engine soon lamp come on? The other direction I would lean towards is possably a VERY dirty throttle plate and bore clean it with carb or air intake cleaner. You could have a issue with an dirty or stucky idle control valve causing the stall. Unsually when they act up the idle is really erratic "hunting for a idel speed" then stall out. Lastly it's always a good idea to change the fuel filter as well. That is just a maintence item that never gets replaced! Those are the things I would look at first. Good luck :)