Thread: Stalling, low RPMs

Originally Posted by jdamico84

I have a '98 SE with 155k on it, and I've always had the problem with it of having the RPMs drop down to about 500 when in reverse and shifting to drive, from time to time causing the car to stall out. I'm not slamming it between gears fast or anything, and the car has come to a full stop before shifting. Also, most of the time when idling it's fine but occasionally it'll rev itself, bouncing the RPMs from about 500 to almost 2k, and will sometimes stall out then if left sitting for too long. Giving it a little gas while in park seems to do the trick to make it stop doing this, so it's never been a big deal but it's still disconcerting.

I'm getting ready to start college so I'm trying to straighten out any kinks now while I can. Any idea on what could be causing this? I was thinking maybe the MAF sensor, but from what I read it sounds like that would cause it to stall out at random times while driving, which it's never done. Thanks for any help.

Jenn

First thing I would try is the IAC valve. That can sometimes cause erratic idle. Another thing I might try is simply cleaning the MAF sensor. QD Electric cleaner works well. Or specific MAF cleaner. Either works.

FWIW, if you live where I think you do, I have an IAC that you can try to see if that is the issue. I bought one to troubleshoot a problem on the wife's car, and it didn't change anything. So I now have a spare one. Send me a PM.