NOTE: Since Prizm 1990 is nearly identical to Corolla, Hence this
posting in this newsgroup

Hello,

This is for a 1990 Prizm (Automatic, EFI). A few days back, started
car, went for a couple of miles (first on city streets and then a
mile
on the highway). Stopped in traffic and could feel the power cutting
off. However, traffic cleared that very second and I hit the
accelerator and that was it. Drove for about 35 miles without any
problem (25 on highway and 10 on city streets).


Next day, started car in the morning, went for a couple of miles
(city
street). Stopped at light and car just stalled. Tried to start but it
wouldn't start. Let it cool for 45 minutes and then no problem. It
started without any problem and runs great. It's been 3 days no
problem. But yesterday the same thing happened when I stopped at a
light.


What could possibly be wrong - my first inclination was fuel pump or
ignition. However, if one of these parts is bad (or going bad) will
they not exhibit symptoms all the time instead of intermittent
problems that is in my case?


Thanks a bunch for your help.

"NKaufman" <nashak (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

Yes, a bad fuel pump or ignition system will usually exhibit symptoms all
the time instead of intermittently.

There are quite a few things that can cause the stalling problem.

An EGR valve that is stuck in the open position could cause stalling
problems. You can try lightly tapping the EGR valve and see if the problem
clears up.

Also check for a vacuum leak; leaks, holes, cracks, or gaps in the black
plastic snorkel between the air filter housing and the throttle body; idle
air control valve; check the air filter to make sure it is not clogged;
check the air flow sensor; and check the coolant temperature sender.

If all those things check out OK, check the spark plugs and ignition wires,
coil, distributor, fuel pressure, and injectors.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

On May 13, 11:36 am, "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom>
wrote:
Thanks Ray, will do and post here what i find.

On May 13, 12:15 pm, "Ph@Boy" <u... (AT) example (DOT) net> wrote:
It stalls within the first 2-3 miles of driving when I am stopped
(either at a light or in traffic). After that it runs fine. So I guess
you could say that it stops the first time it reaches operating temp
(does that sound right?).

Thanks

On May 13, 7:33 pm, "Ph@Boy" <u... (AT) example (DOT) net> wrote:
Temp gauge is always in normal range.
Yes, the check engine light does come up when it stalls completely.
I do not think my model (Base Prizm) has OverDrive.

If ignition fails when hot and works when cold, then that does not
apply to me. In my case, car stalls while getting hot, but once it
engine is hot, then it runs fine. It is only the first few miles that
is a problem.

"Ph@Boy" <user (AT) example (DOT) net> wrote

The OD switch does not prevent torque converter lockup; it only prevents
shifting into OD.

--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"Ph@Boy" <user (AT) example (DOT) net> wrote

I forget which model years, but for a while, the base model Corolla had a
1.6 liter engine and a 3 speed automatic while other trim levels had a 1.8
liter engine and 4 speed (gear ranges) overdrive transmissions. IIRC, the 3
speed was not electronically controlled and did not have a lockup torque
converter, while the 4 speed was an electronically controlled transmission
with a lockup TC. IIRC, the "shift" sequence was 1-2; 2-3; 3-lockup;
unlock-3-4; 4-lockup. Touching the brake pedal was one of the signals to
the transmission ECU to unlock the TC, and you could see the tach needle
move up about a needle's width when you tapped the brakes enough to close
the brake light switch circuit.

If the OP's car has a locking torque converter, a bad TC lockup solenoid is
a possible cause of the stalling, although I have never run across a bad
one.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Hello,

My mechanic took a look and he has changed the fuel filter and cleaned
up a part that he said acted as a "choke". Lets see what happens.


--begin-----------------------------
1990-1992 Geo Prizm Reliability
Trouble Spots
....have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some
cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many
instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted
by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at
additional vehicle problems.

Audio system: The radio/cassette player may have been built with a
capacitor installed wrong causing a key-off battery drain. (1990)

Cold-starting problems: Cars equipped with the 1.6-liter engine may
hesitate or stall on hard acceleration when cold because of a problem
with the engine control computer. (1990-92)

Engine misfire: GM will replace the manifold absolute pressure sensor
and its wiring harness on cars that surge or buck at speeds above 45
mph. (1990)


-----------------end of article----------


has anyone seen this?

"NKaufman" <nashak (AT) hotmail (DOT) com> wrote

A bad or clogged fuel filter is more likely to cause drivability problems at
higher engine speeds than at idle, and there is no choke on a fuel injected
engine so unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that your mechanic fixed the
problem.

I would find a shop with an ASE certified automotive technician to properly
diagnose the car, or check the stuff I suggested before, or take it to a
Toyota or Chevy dealer.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)