Chris M 2
Active Member
It's been some months since I've posted on my Trac's stalling issue. I'm posting this update in hopes that someone with the same issue will find it, read it, try it, and it will work for them.
If you'll remember I tried just about everything recommended here on the site. I did all the cleanings, treatments, part replacements, etc. Nothing solved the problem... I still had stalling, lurching, and the engine dying.
After quite some time I noticed it almost always occurred after a fill-up, usually within a couple of hours or the next morning on the way to work. As I said in earlier posts, I found a great mechanic who had looked the Trac over thoroughly and found nothing. When I told him about the stalling happening after fill-ups, he asked me if I always top it off. When I told him yes, he said, "There's your answer. Don't top it off." He went on to explain how topping off the tank forces fuel into the fuel vent hose and fuel vapor cannister, which can cause stalling (and worse issues if you continue to top off long-term).
So I immediately stopped topping off. It's been a few months now, and the stalling is gone. When I fill up, I watch the gas gauge and stop the pump when the needle gets to F. I've had no problems since.
I know several of you out there disagree with this as a possible cause, and I highly respect your opinions because nearly all of you have a heck of a lot more automotive knowledge than I do. I only know what worked for me, with my Trac, in my situation. So I don't pretend this is a cure-all for all stalling issues.
All I can say is that I'm thankful for this online community, the folks who keep it going, and all who contribute. I'm thankful that my issue finally got solved, and that it didn't end up costing a fortune. That's what a user site like this is all about.
So, if you have a stalling problem with your Trac (or any newer vehicle from what I understand) and can't seem to figure out the cause, try NOT topping off... see if that works. It's worth a shot.
If you'll remember I tried just about everything recommended here on the site. I did all the cleanings, treatments, part replacements, etc. Nothing solved the problem... I still had stalling, lurching, and the engine dying.
After quite some time I noticed it almost always occurred after a fill-up, usually within a couple of hours or the next morning on the way to work. As I said in earlier posts, I found a great mechanic who had looked the Trac over thoroughly and found nothing. When I told him about the stalling happening after fill-ups, he asked me if I always top it off. When I told him yes, he said, "There's your answer. Don't top it off." He went on to explain how topping off the tank forces fuel into the fuel vent hose and fuel vapor cannister, which can cause stalling (and worse issues if you continue to top off long-term).
So I immediately stopped topping off. It's been a few months now, and the stalling is gone. When I fill up, I watch the gas gauge and stop the pump when the needle gets to F. I've had no problems since.
I know several of you out there disagree with this as a possible cause, and I highly respect your opinions because nearly all of you have a heck of a lot more automotive knowledge than I do. I only know what worked for me, with my Trac, in my situation. So I don't pretend this is a cure-all for all stalling issues.
All I can say is that I'm thankful for this online community, the folks who keep it going, and all who contribute. I'm thankful that my issue finally got solved, and that it didn't end up costing a fortune. That's what a user site like this is all about.
So, if you have a stalling problem with your Trac (or any newer vehicle from what I understand) and can't seem to figure out the cause, try NOT topping off... see if that works. It's worth a shot.
