Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting starting problem, start then stall

ok after searching comon problems, and reading posts about stalling problems, none of them match what i'm going through...

i just got in my car (havn't driven it for 2 days) and i started cranking it over, and over, and over. the engine didn't want to start! i tapped on the gas a couple times and it started right up like nothing was wrong, but as soon as i would let off the gas it would die. the car won't idle.

i don't know if its bad gas, a clogged fuel filter, iac needing to be cleaned or what, but its really nerve wracking. any help would be appreciated,

thanks!

99 green contour svt 70k miles on it.

That's a classic IAC symptom.

The IAC is also known as the "throttle bypass valve", and it does just that: It allows air to go around the throttle (which is closed if your foot is off of the gas pedal). If the IAC sticks shut, there isn't enough air to start the car. Pushing the gas pedal opens the throttle, supplying the missing air and allowing the engine to start.

Often, a sticky IAC will start to work once the car warms up, but will stop working again when cold.

Replace it or clean it.

you are the man! thanks