Stall After Start

Definition: The engine starts OK, but 1) dies after brief idle; 2) dies as soon as any load is placed on engine (such as A/C turned on or transmission engaged); or 3) dies on initial driveaway.

^ Perform careful visual check as described at start of Symptoms. - Visual/Physical Underhood Inspection
^ Perform diagnosis in PFI Chart A-3, "No Start or Stall after Start." Related Tests, Information and Procedures
^ If the idle is rough or surges before the stall, see "Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle, Stalling." Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle, Stalling
^ Check PCV valve for proper operation by placing finger over inlet hole in valve end several times. Valve should snap back. If not, replace valve.
^ Check EGR operation.
^ If the vehicle will start and run with the EST control system disabled (Bypass open) then an EST system fault may exist. If the ECM has a poor ground to the engine or if the distributor has a poor ground connection to the ECM, the distributor may not be able to recognize EST pulses and the engine will stall as the ECM tries to enable EST and use EST to control spark timing. With engine running, check for a voltage difference between circuit 453, distributor reference ground and the battery negative terminal. See PFI Chart A-3, "NO START OR STALL AFTER START." Chart A-3 No Start or Stall After Start
^ Fuel pressure should be 40 to 50 psi (276-345 kPa) with key "ON", engine "OFF". With the engine running, fuel pressure should be 32-38 psi and should increase with increased engine load. If the fuel pressure is below 40 psi at key "ON", engine "OFF" or does not increase with engine load, see Chart A-4B, "Dynamic Fuel Pressure Diagnosis. A-4B Dynamic Fuel Pressure Check
^ Check for overcharged A/C system.
^ Check for high A/C head pressure - could be caused by inoperative engine cooling fan.
^ Check for plugged or restricted fuel lines, see Chart A-4B, "Dynamic Fuel Pressure Diagnosis. A-4B Dynamic Fuel Pressure Check
^ Check for weak spark from faulty ignition coil.
^ Check ignition timing.
^ Check for proper EST operation.
^ Check for restricted exhaust or catalytic converter.
^ Check for faulty pickup coil.