I have a 96 plymouth neon highline. Since we got it last fall it has been randomly stalling at idle. It will run great for a week or so then all of a sudden it will stall at a light or sitting in traffic. It's always when you take your foot off the gas. After it stalls you have to keep your foot on the gas or it will shut off and it runs rough. If you start it up and shut it off a few times it will smooth out and run good for another week or so. It's done this in the middle of summer and the middle of winter, so temperature doesn't seem to affect it. Engine light does not come on. Any ideas where to start?

 

have you done a compression test?

 

nope, i wouldnt worrie about compression. you have a fuel delivery problem.

 

Please let me know what you find out on this cause I have a 98 Neon that stalls out at idle too and then idles really rough. Had the o2 sensors replaced, spark plugs and wires. ran great for a while, now sitting in the driveway AGAIN cause I am tired of stalling out at stop lights.

 

idle air control valve maybe?

 

I'll have them check that...I forgot that I had the PVC valve replaced too. Also, smells like it's getting too much gas....heavy gas odor....I put a new fuel pump on it last year.

 

Here's what I've seen in my experience. I have the same problem with my 97 DOHC, but only in the winter months. My problem stems from what appears to be a sticking idle air control (iac) valve. If you look down at the throttle body, it is the little hole in the side of the throttle body wall. You could remedy this 2 ways. One is to run the engine and spray a little carb cleaner in the throttle body/hole. This will make it sputter, but just blip the throttle to run through it. Second, you could raise the idle a little by adjusting the manual stop on the plate at the end of the throttle cable. I did this last year during the winter months, then put it back to normal during spring. It doesn't take a lot to get to the point where it will stay running. I'm saying this is the right way, but for a non-highly modified vehichle, it will get you through.

 

Thanks! I'll try that too....I really really love my neon, it's fun to drive and has actually been a really good car! Don't choke but it's got 223,000 miles! Yes that's 223,000! Nothing real major done...just the usual, timing belt, water pump, etc. Hopefully this will work!

 

omg did you just tell her to touch the no no screw... shame...