Stalling Problem

[James]

I have a 1989 Ford Escort LX. It's an automatic with about 157000 miles.

When I pull up to a stop sign, the car stalls. When I start the car and put it into reverse to exit my parking spot, it stalls. When I coast towards a stop light, it stalls. In each of these cases, I pop the car into neutral and the vehicle starts right back up. When the car does make it to a complete stop without stalling, it tries to jump forward with my foot on the brake.

The parking brake light on the dash is on, but that is because the cable is broken. Also, the "Check Engine" light turns on while I am driving in the city, but generally stays off during highway driving.

Does anyone have any idea what causes my car to stall like this?

[re-tired]

There are a lot of could be's. lets start by getting car scanned for codes. Get back to us.

[James]

I brought the car in to a mechanic and he said he was unable to hook the car up to the computer because some time during the life of the car the wiring harness was screwed up.

Obviously, the time and cost of repairing the wiring harness would not be worth it on this old car. However, I'm hoping that someone has a guess that might be worth a try.

I did replace the fuel filter.

[re-tired]

Ok we will do the ol poke and hope. ???A common stalling problem is the throttle plate getting gummed up. With the eng OFF have helper hold throttle wide open. Take an old tooth brush and a spray can of carb cleaner. Spray and scrub the throttle plate and the surrounding area.Close throttle and start eng.It will smoke for a min. Hope this helps

[Shadetree]

Let me take a poke !
When you say that it wants to jump forward with your foot on brake that makes me think maybe it is the Torque Convertor Lockup Solenoid on the tranny that is not working.
Maybe someone (Ven or re-tired) can post a pic of what this looks like or give some directions as to the exact location of the sensor.

Shade

[James]

I'd like to try your tip, re-tired. Where is the throttle plate? And what does it look like?

And what can be done about the Torque Convertor Lockup Solenoid? Is that a fixable problem, Shadetree?

[re-tired]

take the large black plastic hose ,that goes from air cleaner to eng off. with eng off NOT RUNNING have helper push the gas pedal down the round thing you see moving is the throttle plate.