QuestionHey Fled,
I have a problem with my car that may or may not be common. After I have driven or had the car going for a long enough time to get warmed up the engine will die when in drive at idle. I can restart in neutral or park but once I shift into drive the car dies. The only way that I have been able to get going is to start in neutral and then floor the gas pedal while shifting to drive. Of course I then "burn rubber" but I do get moving until the next time I have to stop and it's the same routine again. This problem has been going for almost 2 years and as such I don't use this car for long drives. It is, however fine for short, less than an hour trips but even those, if linked together, often cause this problem. I tried using "heat" and other gas additives and they seemed to work for a time but do not seem to be the cure. Would I need a new gas pump or gas filter or gas flushing - maybe I have some dirt in the tank? Any help? Thank you very much.
AnswerHi
A few general things, If it has been a while since your last tune up, it never is a bad idea. I do not think this will solve your problem, but a good tune up will never hurt. (Spark Plugs, Plug Wires, fuel filter, air filter, throttle/induction cleaning, fuel injector flush, Distributor cap/rotor if applicable) Just from what youre telling me, I would guess you have either a fuel pump (fuel delivery) problem, or an ignition problem. The Fuel pump sounds more like your concern, though. Keep in mind though, there are many different things that can cause problem similar to this (ECM, faulty power and or faulty grounds, faulty wiring, different sensors for ECM faults, etc...)
My advise would be to take vehicle to a local repair shop your comfortable with and have them preform a fuel system pressure test. Have them drive it with fuel pressure guage hooked to vehicle while driving so they can get a good look at pressure when vehicle starts to act up. If you know a "secret" way to get it t act up, see if they'll allow you to drive car with tech with you so he can watch fuel pressure and have scan tool hooked to vehicle and watch sensor data while it's acting up. (Watch the Coolant temp sensor, a faulty sensor will flood engine)
Other than a tune up, if you decide against that at this time, if a little time is spent with vehicle, problem should be resolved quickly and easily.
I would though recommend the major tune up to help aid the mechanic in his diagnosis, so he can eliminate theys items as possible causes.
Hope this helps.
good luck
Paul
