Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Stalls After Start - Cold


Definition: Engine at room or outside temperature, within three minutes after start. (1) Stalls 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 drive away. If symptom is present cold and hot, go to symptom "Stall After Start - Hot".

^ Perform "Diagnostic Circuit Check - Calif".

^ Perform "System Performance Check - Calif".

^ Visual (Physical) Check

- Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks and proper connections, as shown on Vehicle Emission Control Information label.

^ Make sure hot air tube is connected to air cleaner

- Check proper operation of THERMAC.

^ Check carburetor choke valve, throttle linkage and fast idle cam for sticking.

^ With engine running, visually check vacuum break linkage for movement while removing and reinstalling vacuum hoses to vacuum breaks. If the linkage does not move and vacuum is at hose, check for binding linkage. If linkage OK, replace vacuum break unit.

^ With engine "OFF", check all choke adjustments, including vacuum breaks and TVS if used.

^ Check fast idle speed setting, if applicable, and curb idle speed.

^ Check carburetor accelerator pump operation.

^ Check EFE electric heater for proper operation. EFE electric heater should be on cold. See Chart C9.

^ Check EGR valve for proper operation. See Chart C-7.

^ Check engine timing. See Vehicle Emission Control Information label.

^ Poor or contaminated gasoline. Suggest owner try different brand.