Car Stalls When Stopped Automatic Transmission in 2nd Gear
Introduction
If your car stalls when stopped in 2nd gear with an automatic transmission, it can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous problem. There are a few possible causes for this issue, and it’s important to diagnose the problem correctly in order to fix it.
Possible Causes
- Idle air control valve (IACV): The IACV is responsible for controlling the amount of air that flows into the engine at idle. If the IACV is faulty, it can cause the engine to stall when stopped.
- Mass air flow (MAF) sensor: The MAF sensor measures the amount of air that flows into the engine. If the MAF sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect information to the engine computer, which can cause the engine to stall.
- Throttle position sensor (TPS): The TPS measures the position of the throttle plate. If the TPS is faulty, it can send incorrect information to the engine computer, which can cause the engine to stall.
- Fuel pressure regulator: The fuel pressure regulator controls the amount of fuel that is delivered to the engine. If the fuel pressure regulator is faulty, it can cause the engine to stall.
- Vacuum leak: A vacuum leak can cause the engine to stall by allowing unmetered air to enter the engine. This can lean out the air/fuel mixture and cause the engine to stall.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the problem, you will need to perform a few tests. First, check the idle air control valve. The IACV is usually located on the throttle body. You can check the IACV by disconnecting it and seeing if the engine stalls. If the engine does not stall, then the IACV is likely faulty.
Next, check the mass air flow sensor. The MAF sensor is usually located in the air intake tube. You can check the MAF sensor by unplugging it and seeing if the engine stalls. If the engine does not stall, then the MAF sensor is likely faulty.
Finally, check the throttle position sensor. The TPS is usually located on the throttle body. You can check the TPS by unplugging it and seeing if the engine stalls. If the engine does not stall, then the TPS is likely faulty.
Repair
Once you have diagnosed the problem, you can repair it. If the IACV is faulty, you will need to replace it. If the MAF sensor is faulty, you will need to replace it. If the TPS is faulty, you will need to replace it. If the fuel pressure regulator is faulty, you will need to replace it. If there is a vacuum leak, you will need to find and repair the leak.
Conclusion
If your car stalls when stopped in 2nd gear with an automatic transmission, it is important to diagnose the problem correctly in order to fix it. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can diagnose and repair the problem yourself.
