Car dies at red lights, but starts right back up??....

[kbelky]

92 Celica GT, 221,000 miles... Car runs great as long as the car is moving. As soon as I go to stop, when I reach about 3 to 5 MPH, the rpms drop to about 500 for a second or two, then it dies. It will start right back up. I have replaced every EGR component in the car. The timing belt is new and the timing correct. I have replaced the air and fuel filters, plugs, wires, dist. cap, etc. Has anyone had this problem before? Is there a sensor that may be bad? I am totally unfamiliar with sensors... so you will have to dummy your answers down for me if that is the case.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[mr man]

is the car an automatic? i have heard of that happening before on an auto and the tranny just needed to be flushed because fluid was very old and there was lots of crap built up. when was the last time you changed the fluid? if its been a while have a tranny flush done.

[kbelky]

Yes, it is an automatic! That is a very interesting answer. Mainly because the trans. had started 'slipping' the last few weeks. Although the stalling problem has been happening longer, it has been getting worse since the trans. started giving me problems. The fluid was VERY VERY low (didn't even register on the dipstick). I've noticed a bad leak on the driver side of the car. I am assuming it is a trans leak. I'll check it out today!

Thanks for the tip!!!

[nodrogkam]

don't drive the car with fluid that doesnt even register on the dipstick. Thats quite damaging, so go drain the rest out and fill it up and check it if it does leak. Ur car has lasted so long, lets get it going for another 100k!

[90celicaGT-S]

it did that to me once too, i just turned the idle screw up and it stopped.

[Wiseco]

automatic eh? Idd check the torque converter clutch. Maybe it stays ingaged. Seen that problem on a few cars. Same symptom.

[spy801]

sounds like a fuel problem. I am not so familiar with this car, is it auto or manual? what happens if you have the aircon on, if you have one? does the car stall when you slow down only and will idle normally once you start it up again? if the car only stalls when you slow down, fuel pick up in the tank comes to mind first. fuel pump sucking air instead of fuel.

[A Diddy]

no tranny fluid is the problem

[spy801]

Originally Posted by A Diddy

no tranny fluid is the problem

that makes sense too, the torque converter is not letting go, a bit like trying to stop a manual without pressing the clutch.
for some reason i did not see the other replies when i wrote my firs reply.....

[mickeyd]

Check the air hose between the air flow sensor & the throttle body. Those have been known to crack & cause this condition.