My car 1997 Dodge Spirit runs fine, in spite of an oil leak, but it's started doing this - it dies on me sometimes if I sit in traffic too long. Also, when I first start it up, I need to rev the gas once either before or after I turn the key. Otherwise, it seems fine and I haven't had any problems with it on the freeway or if I'm driving at a steady pace on surface roads. I use the medium grade of gas at the pump. Any suggestions? Please help!
2007-09-21 16:42:33 · 7 answers · asked by babbie 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
sounds like a vacume leak,,but if its not,like a electrical problem,,like a sensor,,,if thats the case take it to advance parts store,,or auto zone,,both offer free enginge tests with a computer.After they test it,,u may know where to go from there.
havin them do it may save u $65 or more for a shop to do the same test.
here is a check list i made 4 ya,
IF MOTOR STALLS WHILE IDLING
1--idle speed incorrect
2--dirty or clogged fuel injectors
3--emission system componets faulty
4--faulty or ungapped spark plugs
5--vacume leak at intake or manifold or vacume hoses
6--fuel injection or engine control system malfubnction.;
7--fuel filter clogged or water in gas.
First try the cheapest and easiest ones and work ur way around it.My advice,,is pop the hood and listen for a vacume leak,,like a hissing sound somewhere on the motor,,look at ur hoses,and maybe 'snug' the bolts down on ur intake or phlimith gaskets.
My van started stalling at idle,,it was a vacume leak,,easy and cheap to fix on mine.So i would say a vacume leak sum where,,,need any more advice just shout,,i would be more than happy to try and help.
2007-09-21 17:00:27 · answer #1 · answered by donttrustsnowmen 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Add to Fiat guy check your fuel pump, check for a clogged fuel line, could be an idle speed control valve, non-functioning fuel injector, or spark plug wire, or bad coil.
Have your car serviced by a good mechanic and have him check for valves not functioning (standard in a 60k tuneup,) electric system, pistons not firing, and fuel lclogged fuel lines. 1997 Dodge Spirit, huh? When was the last time you had an oil change? Oh yeah, oil leak. I would get that taken care of, if I was you. Start saving up at least $400-800 to be able to pay someone to do the servicing at a reliable dealership.
Good luck. If you take care of your car right, it will take care of you. Even a Dodge.
2007-09-21 16:56:18 · answer #2 · answered by enn 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Auto shops get rich on tune ups ( that means new spark plugs) fuel filters ( very rarely the cause) air filters ( should be changed about every third oil change) fuel pump (very unlikely) I would suggest you have the idle air control (iac) checked. It is located near the throttle body. You should never press the accelerator on a fuel injected engine before you start it, it sends bad vibes to the engine computer (ecm)
2007-09-21 17:03:53 · answer #3 · answered by tronary 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It honestly could be alot of things. Start with the simplest things first: air and gas. Is your air filter clogged? Is your fuel filter clogged? Bad fuel pump? I've seen cars do what your describing before. Once it was a bad fuel pump and the other was a really old air filter.
2007-09-21 16:51:55 · answer #4 · answered by dlinder6 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When is the last time you tuned it, the most likely cause is the Spark Plugs and or a Fuel filter is clogged. SP should be replaced every 18K miles and the fuel filter every 20K miles. Good Luck and God Bless
2007-09-21 16:48:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
check your air filter , had mouse nest in mine before
2007-09-21 16:57:41 · answer #6 · answered by tim m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fiat is right, do ALL of yer maintenance Dick.
2007-09-21 16:53:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋