Questions and Answers

Pontiac Sunbird Sporadic Stall Q. Vincent: I have a 1992 Pontiac Sunbird LE 2.2 liter 4cylinder engine with automatic transmission, A/C, P/S, P/B. My problem is that occasionally once every couple of weeks when I start the car I get a rough idle and if I attempt to drive it will stall. If I sit and run it for a minute or two it is fine although I must give it more gas than just and idle.

The problem is very sporadic and appears to happen whether the engine is hot or cold but only in the first minute or two after starting. I had the car into my regular garage but they couldn't find anything wrong with it and didn't want to start replacing things.

They figure the problem will get worse and then it can be fixed. My problem is it is annoying and I can't just hop in and drive away as every once in a while it will stall. As well my wife won't drive it anymore as it stalled on her once and that put her off the car.

Any suggestions??
Thanks

A. Has it been maintained? Plugs and wires replaced lately? A basic tune-up is a good place to start if nothing has been done. Then look at the throttle body to see if any carbon build up is present. This would require a good cleaning with a carburetor cleaner. Then check all vacuum lines for deterioration and cracks. If it still does it after that, have a scanner put on it to see if any codes set or check data to see if you can pick it up when problem presents itself. Intermittent problems are the hardest thing to find!!