Performance

Engine Stalls At Idle

Stalling specifically at idle (stop lights, parking) usually traces to idle-air control or a vacuum leak.

Category
Quick questions
3Ranked causes
You told us

Only at a stop, never while driving

RPM dips before it dies

If it stalls in traffic, have it towed rather than risk being stuck mid-intersection.

Likely causes: Engine Stalls At Idle

ranked by likelihood
1
Dirty or failing idle air control valve
53%

This valve manages idle speed directly — grime is a common failure mode.

Get it checked soon $100–$300
2
Vacuum leak
36%

Unmetered air confuses the idle control system enough to stall it.

Get it checked soon $0–$150
3
Failing fuel pump (pressure drops at low RPM)
18%

Less common, usually paired with hesitation at higher speeds too.

Get it checked soon $300–$700
Related symptoms

Not quite it? Try a closer match