I know there are plenty of threads about stalling, however, I could not find a problem like mine. I bought a 95 Magna TS, Auto, 3 weeks ago. The car starts without a problem, but when I put it on drive or reverse and push the gas pedal, the car drives some meters (around 5 m) and sometimes stalls, usually when I push brake but not always. It happens two or three times until I get it running, does not stall after running, even if I stop and make different maneuvers. The problem does not happen all the time I turn the car on, happened in the first days I bought the car, last Saturday and tonight. I do not believe cold is the problem, as we have been having very hot days.

What do you guys think is the problem?



If it can help, I am also feeling some burn smell coming from under the bonet. When I bought the car it had the oil cap broken and oil was going out, so it may be this oil burning in the hot engine... not sure. I want to have it checked by a mechanic, anyway. Does anyone know a good and reliable mechanic near Hawthorn (south east)?

Thank you

Fuel pump, maybe? :nuts: dunno, I'm only guessing and probably wrong...

EFI cars have a fast idle, which basically instead of a choke on a carburettor vehicle it just adds a few more revs for you without using the accelerator. This may be out of adjustment (or broken!) as you were saying it stalls when the engine is cold (and yes even if its 40C outside the engine is still 'cold'). The other adjustment is the actual idle screw itself. In Neutral the revs may seem ok, but in drive it may be revving too low. When the engine is idling too low it is actually 'labouring', so if you step on the accelerator the engine can very well stall.

EFI cars have a fast idle, which basically instead of a choke on a carburettor vehicle it just adds a few more revs for you without using the accelerator. This may be out of adjustment (or broken!) as you were saying it stalls when the engine is cold (and yes even if its 40C outside the engine is still 'cold'). The other adjustment is the actual idle screw itself. In Neutral the revs may seem ok, but in drive it may be revving too low. When the engine is idling too low it is actually 'labouring', so if you step on the accelerator the engine can very well stall.

Now that makes a LOT more sense than what I said! lol

I have got new symptoms... when I turn anything on (AC, light or the CD player) there are lots of vibration and changes in the idle… may it be related to the same problem? How much can I expect to pay to have it checked?

My first guess would be completely destroyed TPS or ISC motor. Either of these is no huge deal as you can puck them up and put them on straight from a wreckers if your lucky. TPS can be harder to put on without a multimeter (hence why I havent done it). For the time being you could up the throttle a lil bit using the idle screw but I don't recommend keeping it this way. As for the smell im not sure, could be numerous things.

Hi Mate,

PM me if you want me to have a look at your car. I am in Ringwood East if you're interested.. :)

I have got new symptoms... when I turn anything on (AC, light or the CD player) there are lots of vibration and changes in the idle… may it be related to the same problem? How much can I expect to pay to have it checked?

Definately a low idle problem! what is the tachometer sitting on? sounds like around 500 rpm when you turn the A/C on.