1990 Festiva Idle/Stall Problem

[theleetbeagle]

So I just bought my first Festiva! 1990 automatic for $800 here in NE Ohio. 108k on the car, 70k on the engine. Looks fantastic, in 9/10 condition, great buy!

Anyhow, one of the problems I've found is this.

After the engine warms up, I cannot sit at intersections w/o dropping the trans into neutral. If I don't, the car will fluctuate from 100 rpm to 1000 rpm and will most likely stall. If I have the headlights on, it's almost guaranteed to stall.

Headlights off, in neutral, it idles perfectly.

When the engine is cold, or just starting to warm up, it idles fine no matter what.

I've replaced plugs, wires, distro cap and rotor. No change. I am thinking maybe alternator or battery problem, but the alt looks okay (visual inspection) and the previous owner just put a new battery in it.

Thoughts?

Thanks!
-Nick.

[j0nathan67]

auto zone will test it for free and that way it will let you know for sure instead of keep replacing things, that can get costly, good luck!!

[25Horseplay]

Yes Check to see what your car is charging at with the lights off and then with them on. It might not have enough voltage. Check the ground wire too.

[theleetbeagle]

Thanks. I live across the street from an AZ, so I'll have 'em check it out.

[j0nathan67]

alright let me know how you make out!! i wish i lived accross from AZ :scratch: