My car will only idle for a minute without sputtering and stalling out. Can I get some idea how to proceed?

2005 GT. Stock tune. LOW miles (14k). JLT cold air. Tried resetting the computer by disconnecting the battery and clearing the codes. (Stupid me, forgot to write down the codes…ugh). Removed the CAI and found it spotless inside - very clean MAF Sensor and throttle body.

Can’t find any intake leaks.

I reset the inertia switch, and diluted the old gas with fresh 93 octane. I can hear the fuel pump activating, and my car will start every time. It just won’t stay running.

So I’m now suspecting either the MAF sensor or the throttle body?? Both of these are spotless, so I know the problem isn’t because of dirt. Do these things crap out with only 14k mikes?

Ideas?

 

The combination of JLT CAI & stock tune is causing the engine to run lean. Your 110mm intake is much bigger than stock and the MAF transfer curve needs to be adjusted accordingly in the tune.
I'm surprised your intake didn't come with a custom tune so if you need one, I suggest you contact Brenspeed.

 

Good idea, but that doesn’t seem to be the issue, I had a tune in it when the car started acting up. I returned it to stock thinking the problem was somehow tied to the tune. The problem was the same, tune or no tune.

 

I’m thinking it’s one of these parts:

Throttle body (tps)
MAF sensor
Fuel rail pressure sensor
Fuel filter

Has anyone had any of these need replacement at 14,000 miles?

(Also, why does it say I only have a couple posts on this site? I’ve been coming to this forum for years.)

 

when did the problem start?

 

The car developed an occasional erratic idle last summer, however it only happened a couple times. During the winter storage, I ran it one time. I just got it out last Sunday for its first real drive in months. It ran ok for about 15 miles, then it went into limp mode. I got the car home, but I can’t keep it running now.

 

OK. The first thing I suggest is to scan the ECU for fault codes.
Then disconnect the negative battery terminal for 10 minutes to reset the KAM, start the engine, and let it idle until it warms up. You can then perform the idle relearn procedure as per the instructions in the owner's manual.
Let us know if any of that helps.

 

I unhooked the battery for 10 minutes, but afterwards, I still couldn’t keep the engine running long enough to get up to operating temperature. It would sputter and die. So…no change

 

Any codes?

 

Well…

When I assumed the stalling was due to the tune, I cleared the codes and returned the tune to stock. I didn’t write down the codes…(rookie mistake)