Stalling

[aipri]

So I have noticed every time I back out of my driveway, hit the brake, and shift into drive, the car seems idle a bit rough. Today it stalled as I was shifting from reverse to drive. Thoughts? The car does the normal hunting when you start it up, but always starts up right away, even when hot. I did have the A/C and headlights on when this happened as well. Maybe it's a bad ground somewhere?

[Delorean Industries]

So I have noticed every time I back out of my driveway, hit the brake, and shift into drive, the car seems idle a bit rough. Today it stalled as I was shifting from reverse to drive. Thoughts? The car does the normal hunting when you start it up, but always starts up right away, even when hot. I did have the A/C and headlights on when this happened as well. Maybe it's a bad ground somewhere?

What is the current status of your ignition system? Is everything original?

[David T]

What is the current status of your ignition system? Is everything original?

It can also be vacuum leaks or a sticky idle motor. As Josh, asks, when was the last time anything was done? It may be due for some service. Or maybe the fuel isn't so fresh.
David Teitelbaum

[aipri]

To the best of my knowledge the ignition system is original. Based on the service records the PO gave me the car was at PJ Grady in 03 for a complete checkup and several updates. As I look at the records again I do see a note that he says there is a delay switching from reverse to drive, which I have noticed, but says nothing about stalling. From the records the gas tank was last cleaned out in 2011, and the owners seemed to be pretty cognizant of keeping an eye on that.

[Jonathan]

Could a delay like that be a symptom of a failing shift computer governor?

Or a throttle spool - linkage adjustment problem? Or poor engagement of the idle speed motor microswitch?

[DMCMW Dave]

Could a delay like that be a symptom of a failing shift computer governor?

Or a throttle spool - linkage adjustment problem? Or poor engagement of the idle speed motor microswitch?

No
Yes
Yes

[Jonathan]

Anthony,

Are you familiar with the idle speed motor microswitch on your car? Generally it would be getting engaged when you aren't on the gas. It's based on some lever arms and linkages and might need an adjustment. It's pretty easy to play around with at least to see if it is or isn't clicking in the switch in the rest position.

Have a look at yours and tell us what you see. You can manipulate it with your hands from standing behind the engine. You can do it with or without the engine running, carefully, just watch where you stick your fingers/shirt sleevs/neck tie.

Some good information here on much of the same subject if you want to read up on it a bit...

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?6749-High-idle-and-sluggish-acceleration

[aipri]

Anthony,

Are you familiar with the idle speed motor microswitch on your car? Generally it would be getting engaged when you aren't on the gas. It's based on some lever arms and linkages and might need an adjustment. It's pretty easy to play around with at least to see if it is or isn't clicking in the switch in the rest position.

Have a look at yours and tell us what you see. You can manipulate it with your hands from standing behind the engine. You can do it with or without the engine running, carefully, just watch where you stick your fingers/shirt sleevs/neck tie.

Some good information here on much of the same subject if you want to read up on it a bit...

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?6749-High-idle-and-sluggish-acceleration

Not familiar with this at all, but I will take a look at that thread thanks!

[David T]

If the ignition system is original you should be replacing things by now just because of age. A delay in shifting can be due to:
Low idle speed
Low fluid level in the transmission
Dirty filter in the transmission
Need for a linkage adjustment in the gearshift.
First thing to do is check the level and condition of the transmission fluid. If it is dirty and/or burnt you should have the transmission power flushed and the filter and pan cleaned.
David Teitelbaum

[aipri]

Thanks for the info David. I haven't had time to check everything yet, will try to do so tomorrow. So many things to do!