I have a 2000 pontiac montana that stalls while driving and also if I let it idle in the driveway for 5-10 min

Question

How do I keep this van from stalling all the time? it is not reliable for my wife and kids.

Answer 1

Do you have a check engine light/ service engine soon. If so , chek what code you have. otherwise check the egr valve and check if you have the correct fuel pressure. Most likely you will need to take it to a good mechanic to be able to diagnos the exact problem.

Answer 2

Hmmm, thats a tough one without more detailed information on...but the two things I focus on is driving, AND idling...when you are driving along, does it seem to lose power, as in slow down no matter how much you push on the pedal? If it does, then it could be a plugged up catalytic converter, as one other person said. If it is just when you come to a stop light/sign, then it could be either the idle circuit (Mass Air Flow Sensor, Idle Air Control Valve, etc.), OR my favorite cause of poor idle, a split or broken vacuum hose.

Take the simple one first, look all around the engine compartment and locate any small rubber hose that may be dangling, or fell off, or possible one of the many plastic barb connectors broke.

If you find nothing, then you'll need to have the sensors checked, and placed on a diagnostic machine that can check all engine functions...

I presume you have changed the air filter...???

Answer 3

There are so many possibilities that there is no way for anyone to help you in this format. You may have a fuel/air issue, an ignition problem, a mechanical difficulty, or a computer control/wiring/connector problem. This is also intermittent and occurs at different driving conditions. I wish that I could help, but it would just be guessing, and if anyone offers you advice, please know that it is a guess as well. I recommend locating a Blue Seal rated facility on ASE.com, where you will find a shop in your area that is certified in the top 3-4% in the nation. Then, plan on leaving the vehicle with them for a couple of days for evaluations and testing and prepare to spend a couple of hundred dollars for this evaluation which pays for the tens of thousands of dollars (no kidding) of equipment they will use, as well as the time and knowledge of a top notch, trained and qualified automotive technician. Ask specifically to have the technician that your vehicle ASE certified in Engine Performance. I recommend all of these actions because, alas, there is no "machine" we hook a car up to that will determine exactly what is wrong with it. We use alot of equipment that gives us data, and then an experienced technician must use his knowledge of the system (which can vary a great deal in operation from make to make) and technicial data to determine the cause. When people refer to the "machine", they are usually talking about a scanner. This tool gives some valuable information at times, and other times it will provide nothing. And it never says,"replace this part, ______, and the problem will go away". Hope that this arms you with some information to help correct this problem, because I understand why you would want your wife and kids to be safe and comfortable.

Answer 4

Hi Timothy.When was the last time the Montana was looked over by an honest competent mechanic?It probably could use some maintenance in the engine department,huh?Probably wouldn't hurt to check out the obvious stuff like a clogged converter,spark plugs,air filter,pcv valve and on and on. Any chance the last tank of gas is a little off? Good luck

Answer 5

It needs a good tune up or their is a fuel starvation going on my car did the same and it just needed a small twink to get the idle right

Answer 6

Check the idle air controller. If you have higher
miles or drive very slow they clog up.

Answer 7

you need a good tune-up.