Alright so I a while ago I was having some problems with the car bucking when it shifted gears then it went away (college student so no money to spend on my car). So just today I was driving for about 30min and I stopped at a red light the check engine light turned on and then the engine shut off.. No shudder just stopped. The funny thing is that I was able to start the car back up and when I was driving the check engine light shut off. It was only when I wasn't accelerating (pushing on the gas because the car stalled going down a hill) and idling that the car shut off on me. One of my friends looked at the car and said that it might have a cracked header.. Does anyone have any suggestions? I could try taking the alternator but would a cracked header loose that much pressure for the engine to stall like that? Any ideas on what I can try first that is cheap (can get the alternator at a parts yard but have never changed a header)... I know with something like this it can be a shoot and miss but I really wana have it crap out on me in the middle of the road anymore...
A cracked header wouldn't make it stall out. You should go to the parts store and have them scan the pcm for you. They will not charge you and it takes 5 minutes. Also I don't see why the alternator would be the source of your problems? My guess is that it's some sort of fueling issue or sensor issue. Once you find the code that the pcm is throwing you can better narrow down your problem. Good luck
Get some spray cleaner from the kitchen and an old toothbrush. Clean all around the throttle plate thoroughly and wipe with paper towel. A friend can hold the accelerator down to open the throttle plate for you while you clean it (engine off).
