car stalls when stopped at a light Page 8

Your car stalling at the lights is the automotive equivalent of fainting in the queue—embarrassing and usually traceable to air, fuel, or spark going missing.

Start with the basics: check for vacuum leaks, a dirty throttle body or stuck idle air control valve, tired spark plugs/coils, and weak fuel pressure or a clogged filter.

Autos can also stall if the torque converter clutch solenoid is sticking, while manuals will protest if the idle is too low or the clutch technique is, shall we say, optimistic.

Scan for fault codes, verify battery/alternator voltage at idle (about 13.8–14.4 V), and clean the intake; if it still coughs, a mechanic can test fuel trims and compression properly.

• Vacuum leak or split PCV hose
• Dirty throttle body or IAC valve
• Faulty MAF/MAP sensor
• Low fuel pressure or failing pump
• EGR valve stuck open