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my 99 aurora has developed a stalling problem. runs fine ...


Sent to Car Experts November 14, 2005 11:15 p.m.

my 99 aurora has developed a stalling problem. runs fine but stalles at idles. Will NOT stall if I leave the rear window defogger on!!!!!!!!!

Optional Information:
1999 Oldsmobile Aurora Northstar

Already Tried:
replaced egr checked thr fpr
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $5   
Answer
November 15, 2005 12:45 p.m. (13 hours and 29 minutes later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Greetings!

What an unusual symptom; congratulations on being observent enough to notice the connection between the stalling and the defogger operation...

After discussing the symptom amongst ourselves, we believe you have a base idle speed problem in the vehicle. When a heavy electrical load such as a defogger grid is turned on, the usual result is that the alternator becomes harder to turn because it is being asked to generate more amperage to keep up with the demand. The engineers that design the vehicel take this into account, and design the vehicle's software to compensate by increasing idle speed when a heavy load is placed on the electrical system. It would appear that when the powertrain controller is commanding a higher than normal idle speed, the vehicle operates normally. By this reasoning, it would seem that your base (unloaded) idle speed may be below specs.

Idle speed is not adjustable on this vehicle; it is controlled by means of an idle air control valve that bleeds air around the throttle plate. The PCM commands the valve to open longer for increased idle speed, and to close to reduce idle speed. When the system is designed, it is assumed that a certain amount of minimum airflow will take place inside the throttle bore, through the small gap between the throttle plate and the walls of the throttle body. If this minimum airflow is restricted, it will result in incorrect IAC valve position calculation by the PCM. I would suggest inspecting the inside of the throttle bore for deposits which may be reducing airflow; expecially in the throttle plate area. If you find such deposits, tehy can be removed by using a solvent such as berkebile 2+2 gum cutter and an old toothbrush. If this is not effective at resolving the issue, you may have an IAC valve not responding to commands as it should.

If the throttle body cleaning does not help, I would suggest taking the vehicle in to a shop equipped with a scan tool capable of reading live engine data on theis vehcile. usually idle concerns are pretty quick and easy to diagnose with the right equipment, and therefore are usually fairly inexpensive to repair.

I hope this is helpful; if so, an accept would be most appreciated! Thanks!

PictureSteve7654  -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1664 Car Accepts
27 yrs ASE L1 Master Technician, Service manager
Reply
Sent November 25, 2005 4:52 p.m. (10 days and 4 hours later)

Relist: I still need help.
I had my mechanic folow the suggestions given by Steve to no avail-still stalls!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
November 25, 2005 4:56 p.m. (3 minutes and 44 seconds later)

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PictureSteve7654  -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1664 Car Accepts
27 yrs ASE L1 Master Technician, Service manager
Reply
Sent November 25, 2005 6:29 p.m. (1 hour and 33 minutes later)

I have an appointment with a garage that has more sophisticated equipment on Mon. Can I get back to you then with the results? This has been driving me crazy for a month

Thanks Dick
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
Sent November 29, 2005 8:59 a.m. (3 days and 14 hours later)

I just got my Aurora back and after replacing a fuel filter I still have the same problem. There were no codes other that the stall code and the mechanic said it responded well to the idle commands but it still looks as though it's idling too slow. His suggestion is to return to a dealer and see if the computer needs "reflashed". Being somewhat comuputer literate, this sounds like a possibility. I'm reluctant to go to a dealer as you never get out with both arms and legs!

Ever heard of the "reflashing" routine?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)

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