u/_barlene

In the past couple of months my car began to stall on occasion. Initially, cutting the wheel while braking seemed to be the cause. The first time, I was braking at a light and reaching for something so the wheel turned and I stalled. Second time I was adjusting my parking, so sharply cutting the wheel while braking. Third time I was simply sitting at a light when I stalled out and finally decided to have it looked at. Each time it started back up just fine (although the last time it wouldn’t allow me to take the key out, but maybe that’s ill-advised when stalling?)

So the only concerning thing found was an idling issue which it’s had basically since I got the car about two years ago. It would typically idle high while braking and after starting up. One time early on I was sitting at a light and could physically feel it jerk forward due to the high idle. Not being a car person, I kind of just assumed these things were because the car is old and didn’t really think twice when they didn’t happen often or directly affect the car’s performance.

Had a mobile mechanic come out and replace the IAC valve. Load tested, we both test drove it, everything seemed normal- idle on point and where it should be. This was yesterday. Today comes and I take her out for the first time in a week. Driving great. After the first stop, I go to start her up again and she kinda falters (almost like stalling- cold stall?). Probably nothing, wasn’t paying attention and let go before it turned over. Started up fine the next try. Then I notice the temperature creepin above halfway (about 3/4 max) while stopped which is something it never seemed to do before, but I also live in the desert and just added a little coolant yesterday- but weird to see that out of nowhere.

Here’s the most glaring issue. After days of dealing with the mobile mechanic- getting new part and additional hose to replace old one they knew would inevitably crack when removing- my car stalled again. Of course, incredibly frustrating when the issue seemed to be resolved. I know cars, especially ones 25+ years old, are gonna be finicky at times (especially mine). I’d read previously it could be a vacuum/hose leak of some sort but couldn’t seem to find any issue there. Same with the brake booster. Anyways, my fault for expecting something lasting/relatively easy to maintain when I got this from a shop in exchange for them ruining my precious ‘06 focus zxw during a routine oil change. First Toyota. She’s been pretty damn good to me so far, all things considered. Any advice/guidance would be very much appreciated.

TLDR: Toyota still stalling post-IAC valve replacement.

Well played, SNL.