2000 V6 Avenger - 78,000 miles on it.

The problem has been getting worse.  Over the last 3 years the vehicle would die while driving about once every 3 months.  The check engine light would come on.  I'd pull over and fire it up and not have another problem for another 3 months.  Now the problem is happening every other day, however I do not get the check engine light anymore.  Sometimes it will die at a stoplight.  Sometimes while driving the RPM's drop to ZERO..  then pick up quickly because I have it on cruise causing a jerk reaction while driving.

Any ideas where to begin.  I have not yet changed the plugs or wires, but was on my to-do list this summer.

Thanks for the help

Is your CEL burned out?  Check that it lights up for a second or two when you first turn the key to the run position.  (Not like that solves the larger issue, but hey, at least you'll know...)

I'd seafoam the intake might be a dirty IAC ...

I have the same problems described in Q/P forum. Also with alot of CEL warnings.

I actually don't know how to effectively put seafoam into the intake either.    Anyone want to elaborate on this?

IAC or CPS [crank] are my votes.

I A C sensor is B A D..I believe.

MAP's work off of a vacuum if i'm not mistaken. If the plastic is broke, you may want to replace that first just to rule out the possibility of it causing problems.

A skateboard with a broken wheel is still a skateboard, but i guarantee you won't make a safe landing if you ollie over something.

It sticks out on the top front of the throttle body. Unplugs from the it.


Also, Shiano: I had it hooked up to a vaccum gage and it was running very low pressure at idle but then shoots up regular when its at 3000+ RPM. So it might be something witt he MAP.