Fedup of stalling my car...

anewman

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throttle_body

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/EnginePerformanceSymptoms.html#PoorPerformanceIdleSurgeandHuntDirtyThrottleBody

Crashtogether

The problem is that I can drive (regular driver of other cars) but for some reason just can't get the hang of this one. It's a Hyundai i20 - it's a new model so only has a few thosand miles on the clock. Owned it for about a month now and my driving of it has only improved slightly.

Thanks for the comments - I'm going to ask other people to drive it to see if they experience the same thing.

Rolandtheroadie

As has been said, a diesel would need more revs (if your used to driving petrols anyway.)
Wife had problems with her car not so long ago. Kept stalling it, her father had a go, he kept stalling it. Turned out one of the front brake calipers siezing on. It may be a new car, but how long might it have sat somewhere before it was sold?

If its a brake binding, after a run (5 miles or so should do it) go round the 4 wheels and put your hand near to the centre of the wheel (but dont touch anything).
If one of them is really hot compared to the rest, it could be the problem.

asbokid

Crashtogether wrote: »

The problem is that I can drive (regular driver of other cars) but for some reason just can't get the hang of this one. It's a Hyundai i20 - it's a new model so only has a few thosand miles on the clock. Owned it for about a month now and my driving of it has only improved slightly.

Thanks for the comments - I'm going to ask other people to drive it to see if they experience the same thing.

Even though it is relatively new, you shouldn't rule out a mechanical fault being the cause of the stalling. Is it an auto gearbox by chance? I don't know that particular car but there are 101 faults which could cause that problem... for example, the solenoid in the idle air control (IAC) valve commonly gets stuck open or closed causing a very low or a very high idle speed.. It could even be a sensor related to the air-conditioning system.. When the A/C clutch is activated, the engine idle is raised to stop the car from stalling. Perhaps the sensor that detects the A/C clutch position is faulty.. Who knows? Since you're obviously not gormless, it sounds like it's a job for a garage, unfortunately. I guess it's still under warranty?

Crashtogether

It's a petrol engine and I usually drive petrols. I find that with the accelerator either it doesn't "give" enough or the engine over-rev's (I watch the rev counter and listen to the engine as I gradually push the accelerator down).

Hyundai offers a 5 year warranty so at least that's some comfort if it does need garage attention. It's just a shame that it's my first "proper" car and I dislike driving it!

Appreciate all the comments, given that it's not strictly money related :-)

tuggy12

Crashtogether wrote: »

I find that with the accelerator either it doesn't "give" enough or the engine over-rev's (I watch the rev counter and listen to the engine as I gradually push the accelerator down).

This once happened to my OH with a brand new car.

Turned out the accelerator cable was sticking slightly owing to newness.

Like you say, this meant when trying to pull away the revs would jump from too low to too high and cause a stall. Hill starts were very difficult.

The garage fixed in in a few minutes.

asbokid

Maybe there's a club for that car, with members who could offer advice to you? Failing that, perhaps be cheeky... When you spot another car of the same model and year as your own, approach the driver and garner his/her advice! I often do that 'by accident'.. deliberately pulling up beside an identical car in the petrol station or at the supermarket.. "Nice car you've got there mate! Had any problems with the clutch on it?!" I find it is a useful way of gauging other owners' opinions!

good luck getting it sorted!

mrian_2

Book a driving instructor, Many are doing cheap booking ie 5 lessons for £25 (I think 5 should be plenty)

Rolandtheroadie

mrian wrote: »

Book a driving instructor, Many are doing cheap booking ie 5 lessons for £25 (I think 5 should be plenty)

5 lessons for £25? £5 each? Now thats a real MSE help. Is it one specific company? I knew the driving instructor business was oversubscribed, but thats an excellent deal.

gilbert_and_sullivan

I drive dozens of different new cars every day in my work, many of them will stall at the drop of a hat...or if you give them enough welly to not stall get wheelspin instead.

It may not be you at all it's symptomatic of so many new cars, especially the latest small engined models (notable exception the 3 cyl petrol engine as found in aygo/C1/107..puls like a good un from stall revs)

Good idea to get a few other trusted people to drive it to see if they have the same problem.

Seems i'm not the only one who's noticed just how easy it is to stall modern diesels too...i've run diesel cars for over 25 years, the old school ones were virtually impossible to stall.