Idle stall - update

[Andrew_Pakula]

So I took the car in today to get it checked out.<P>They adjusted the TPS or something and changed the oil and it does seem to be running a lot smoother and more responsive which is a good thing.<P>However the car still stalled once on my way home.<P>It seems to only stall while idling, usually when I am waiting at a stop to make a turn or something. Like if I am hitting the breaks a couple times when I am already going slow and need to stop.<P>They didn't change the spark plugs though, they said they were ok however I know for a fact the spark plugs haven't been changed in a long, long time.<P>Should I make them change the spark plugs anyways?<P>Also my engine is high milage, around 220,000km now. They said I should start using the higher octane gas now because it will be better for my engine since I have a lot of milage on it now. Is this true?

[millionflame]

Well, I just recently had that problem and solved it (after replacing my fuel filter, and spark plugs) by duct taping my intake boot!! I had a tear in it that I didn't notice until I sprayed the carb cleaner on it.<P>Try looking at that, or you're vacuum hoses.<P>~A

[Andrew_Pakula]

I am going to try replacing the spark plugs next and see if that does anything.<P>I am just going to give my car a day or so to see how it is running, the problem still exists though, I have to be careful while I am waiting at a stop not to tapp the breaks too much or it might stall.

[jpwmx3]

Can't you just take a look at the rubber intake tube for cracks? It's cheaper than the route your taking. Most of the time it is this, like for me just last week. I have 344,000km on mine and runs as smooth as a baby's A##.

[MX30wner]

Would it be a safe bet to ductape your intake boot anyway? My car is bracing to hit 260000km, and I get some up and down idling... I've had some electrical problems (plugs, wires), and I'm just wondering if maybe I should tape up my accordian intake hose - you know, preventative maintenance. Can't hurt anything can it!

[Buzzin vee 6]

BLITZ make an electronic idle stabiliser which does exectly wha it says on the tin. I had the same problem - jus bought a new boot which solved it - problem with taping it up is that the tape, once tight will move into the boot intself which restricts the flow even more - worsening the problem quite considerably..

[pcperez83]

Personally i think all mx-3's are known for their idle problems after high mileage. i had the same problem but i fixed it. Turns out it was the tranny, and the tranny computer. They both needed work after that the car runs fine, hasn't stalled on me since!

[Andrew_Pakula]

Just to put an ending on this thread.<P>The problem was the flexable intake boot after the VAF had a split, and ths spark plugs were in disgusting state....<P>Thanks goes to Curt for fixed it for me.