Car dies when coming to a stop, or FEELS like it's going to die but doesn't
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Car dies when coming to a stop, or FEELS like it's going to die but doesn't
My girlfriend has a 1998 Accord, 4cyl automatic with 280,000 miles on it. Car runs great, but she's started having this issue. She was coming to a stop at a stop sign, and when she stopped the car just shut off randomly. She started it back up and went on her way, and it hasn't happened since. She was not low on fuel at the time.
While riding with her, I've noticed sometimes that when she comes to a stop, I feel her car idle a little rougher. It almost feels like it wants to die, but never does. It's not a very rough shudder or anything, but after riding in the car a few times you begin to notice it.
I told her we should take a look at her distributor cap and rotor, as those probably haven't been changed in quite some time. Aside from that, I don't know what else to try..besides maybe cleaning her IACV. Would this be considered an idle problem? She can leave her car idling still all day and it's fine; the problem mainly seems to pop up when she's slowing down to a stop. I just don't want her to unnecessarily throw parts at this if she doesn't have to. Chances are the cap/rotor are worn and need replaced, but besides that I really don't know where to begin.
I've looked at some idle-related threads, but they all seem to be more about the car having a rough idle in general, not just when coming to a stop. Thanks for any suggestions!
While riding with her, I've noticed sometimes that when she comes to a stop, I feel her car idle a little rougher. It almost feels like it wants to die, but never does. It's not a very rough shudder or anything, but after riding in the car a few times you begin to notice it.
I told her we should take a look at her distributor cap and rotor, as those probably haven't been changed in quite some time. Aside from that, I don't know what else to try..besides maybe cleaning her IACV. Would this be considered an idle problem? She can leave her car idling still all day and it's fine; the problem mainly seems to pop up when she's slowing down to a stop. I just don't want her to unnecessarily throw parts at this if she doesn't have to. Chances are the cap/rotor are worn and need replaced, but besides that I really don't know where to begin.
I've looked at some idle-related threads, but they all seem to be more about the car having a rough idle in general, not just when coming to a stop. Thanks for any suggestions!
MM Gruppe B
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: 94577/Gaillimh
Re: Car dies when coming to a stop, or FEELS like it's going to die but doesn't
IACV is what controls the idle speed via the programed tables in the PCM. Added loads require the stepper motor to be opened further allowing more air to bypass the closed butterfly of the TB.
If the IACV is clogged or no longer functioning the engine will die if the throttle is closed with a load on it.
If the IACV is clogged or no longer functioning the engine will die if the throttle is closed with a load on it.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Kansas
Re: Car dies when coming to a stop, or FEELS like it's going to die but doesn't
Many things can cause this problem. I would suggest inspecting the PCV valve for proper operation, and then readjust base idle speed without the IACV as Honda recommends. If you unplug the IACV and notice little change in idle speed, the valve itself is defective in some way: Either the plunger wont move, or the motor will not move it.
With the mileage on the car, the base idle speed should definitely be checked first.
With the mileage on the car, the base idle speed should definitely be checked first.
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