Why is my 1997 Dodge Intrepid stalling and not re-starting?

Question

My car stalled a week ago and wouldn't start. The following morning, it started right up and we drove it all week without any problems. Today, on the highway, it stalled again while in traffic and wouldn't start (we had to be towed). It's almost as if it's not getting gas or something. Does anyone have any ideas what might be happening?

Answer 1

Have fuel pump pressure and flow tested.
if it's low change fuel filter and retest or if it's been more than 24000 miles since the filter was changed hange it first.

by chance is the stalling occurring when it has less than 1/4 tank of gas? the pump is submersed in gas, the gas keeps the pump cool, when less than 1/4 tank the pump is no longer submersed completely and starts to get warmer. when they get warm they will stop working. also a partially block fuel filter will cause the pump to work harder and warm up. the older the pump is the more likely it is to fail during these conditions.

Answer 2

There are several things, like a clogged fuel filter, a dying gas tank mounted fuel pump, a defective gas cap, but after a recent experience my money isn't on any of those.

It is on a device called the IAC, or Idle Air Control valve. My son and I just went through the same exact symptoms on his pickup a couple of months ago.

Try this, start the car, raise the idle to about 1300-1400 RPM. Let it stabilize there for about 1/2 a minute. Release the gas pedal as quickly as you can. If the engine stumbles and tries to stall or if it does stall replace the IAC. My son's truck would die like you turned the key off. Sometimes it would restart and sometimes it wouldn't. On his truck if you held the engine at about 2500 RPM for the same length of time then release the gas as above it wouldn't hardly ever die. I can't tell you why but the IAC definetly fixed it.

We removed his and cleaned it up but I am sure that is only a temporary fix. A new one for his truck is about $50, that's less than a tow in most places.

Good luck, I hope this nails it.

Answer 3

this can be a term called vapor lock. if the engine is abnormally hot vapor lock is the cause. my question is why is the engine getting so hot:( if there isn't a good reason for the engine heating) then you should check the cooling system. to further help if at regular temperature the car stops then ofcourse there is fuel problem specifically a lack of fuel and you could have a faulty fuel pressure regulator. take it to a reputable mechanic and find out if the fuel pressure regulator is faulty and if so have it replaced.Dont fall for other things needing replacement because you can go back and get other things done if need be later. Ask me again at anytime.

Answer 4

sounds to me like you have an injector problem. and heres why. ive seen this many times before. injectors like any other electrical component have an amout of resistance. when one or more of the injectors resistances changes the cars computer recongnizes a fuel problem and for safety reasons, its shuts itself off. you should have all of your injectors replaces contrary to what the mechanic tells you cause once one goes.. another will soon follow. it will cost more but be worth it in the long run. now i dont own a shop... but i am a mechanic.