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2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Base 2dr Coupe

2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 2 Door Coupe, Sub-Compact
25 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy
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December 17, 2012, 6:44 am

Rachel W
 

Question: Why does my car shut off at red lights and stop signs?

I have noticed lately that when i come to a stop, the rpms drop down sometimes and hover around the .5 mark. If i press the gas a bit it will correct the problem usually. Today i came to a stop at a light and my car had stopped running. Like the engine was on, but the car wasn't running, if that makes sense. (I had to turn the key again to start it again.) It happens when i have the defroster on more, but it still happens without it being on. The only time something similar has happened was when it died about a year and a half ago, but eventually it wouldn't start again and I had to get fuel pump replaced.


December 21, 2012, 10:54 am

Elizabeth K
Expert Mechanic

It sounds like your idle is running too low. That often causes stalling issues when you're stopped, and is often fixed by some basic (often overlooked) maintenance. Have the IAC (idle air control) valve and the throttle body cleaned. And if you're around 100k, you're probably due for a tune-up as well, which will also help.


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