98 S70 odd stalling trouble

martz010185 · Post by **martz010185** » 02 Sep 2008, 17:14

I have a 98 S70 non-turbo (automatic) with 180,000 miles on it. I've been having this odd problem with the car for a few weeks now. It began rather abruptly; I don't recall any symptoms leading up to it.

The car has been stalling on me. If I start up the car in the morning after it's been cold, it doesn't really give me any trouble. If the engine is still warm or hot and I start it up, it acts like it wants to stall out right as it reaches normal driving temperature. If I'm going 40mph, I can just press on the gas and it'll straighten out, but if I'm at slow speeds or in stop-and-go traffic, a lot of times I'll press the gas and it feels like the transmission is dropping out. If it stalls, I start the car up and it works fine then.

Generally, the car seems more sluggish than usual. Also, if I try to start the car with the AC on, it'll definitely stall out. Even if I have just the fan running, it'll act up. But if I start the car without the AC or fan running and get it warmed back up, then I can run the AC or fan and it's okay.

I've checked the fluid and levels in the transmission, and everything seems in good order. I just flushed and refilled the transmission a year ago, and I also did a full PCV replacement last August. I'm wondering if it's anything electrical because I don't understand why running the vent fan would cause the engine to stall. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Sep 2008, 17:41

Been asking folks about their last tune-up lately and hitting the nail on the head more times than not....so, when were your plugs replaced last? How about other tune-up items?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 02 Sep 2008, 17:42

How is your temperature gauge behaving? A bad ECT sensor can cause the problems you describe.

Do you have any codes?

If you do determine that the ECT sensor is bad go ahead and replace the thermostat at the same time.

...Lee

martz010185 · Post by **martz010185** » 03 Sep 2008, 07:36

I haven't replaced the plugs for a while, maybe it's something I should do. What other tune up items should I consider?

Also, I haven't had any trouble with the temperature gauge, it seems to be working like usual. I had an ECT sensor go bad a few years ago and it doesn't exhibit the same symptoms as that.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 03 Sep 2008, 19:33

Change the plugs first...don't use platinum plugs or anything expensive- just simple copper core plugs (Bosch is best for your car) and make sure the gap is down to 0.028 inches and see how she goes. If this doesn't get it then we'll problem solve further. This by far is the cheapest way to go. NAPA sells the plugs for about a buck a piece.