Car stalls during idle after battery replacement, then fine after two days

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of a car stalling during idle after a battery replacement, with the issue resolving itself after a couple of days. Participants explore potential reasons for this behavior, including the role of the engine control unit (ECU) and other mechanical factors. The conversation touches on technical aspects of modern vehicles, including fuel injection systems and the implications of battery disconnection.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the ECU may forget its fuel-air-timing settings when the battery is disconnected, and that it can relearn these settings over time.
  • Others raise concerns about the reliability of software in modern vehicles, implying that the quality of the ECU's programming may affect performance.
  • One participant notes that different vehicles respond differently after a battery disconnect, indicating that specific make and model information is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
  • Some participants propose that issues with the battery cable connection could also lead to stalling until the connection is properly seated.
  • There are discussions about preferences for diesel engines, highlighting their mechanical features like governors and hand throttles, which some believe prevent stalling.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the longevity and reliability of modern internal combustion engines compared to older technologies.
  • One participant mentions that the car's diagnostics may reset after a couple of trips, suggesting that the car's computer undergoes a relearning process to optimize performance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of viewpoints regarding the causes of the stalling issue, with no clear consensus reached. Some agree on the potential role of the ECU, while others emphasize mechanical factors or the quality of modern vehicle technology. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the discussion is limited by the lack of specific information about the car's make, model, and year, which could influence the diagnosis of the stalling issue. Additionally, there are unresolved assumptions regarding the reliability of modern automotive software and the implications of battery disconnection.

  • #61
Ranger Mike said:
symbolipoint had a question. is it answered to his satisfaction.

...nuff said
I've thought about splitting-off the digression, but because there doesn't seem to be anything more to say on the original topic, it doesn't seem to matter if it is split or not. Also, nobody reported the thread digression, so evidently nobody feels too strongly about it being a problem.
 
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  • #62
russ_watters said:
Yup, happened to me once. It's incredibly difficult to drive a manual transmission if you have to keep one foot on the gas all the time to avoid stalling.
Heel and toe for gear changing and hill starts is the essence of a good driver.
 
  • #63
tech99 said:
Heel and toe for gear changing and hill starts
For hill starts, I've always preferred the emergency brake technique (but that assumes a hand-operated emergency brake lever). :smile:
 
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  • #64
tech99 said:
Heel and toe for gear changing and hill starts is the essence of a good driver.
Early vehicles used a hand throttle, mounted on the steering column. There was no accelerator pedal in the model T Ford. Foot pedals were used to preselect a gear, then the other foot to operate the clutch.
 
  • #65
I learned to drive with a crash gearbox (no synchromesh) and have always wanted to do so again. When braking and slowing, you need to use the heel-and-toe technique so you can rev the engine in neutral whilst simultaneously braking. Sorry this is a bit off topic.
 
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  • #66
tech99 said:
I learned to drive with a crash gearbox (no synchromesh) and have always wanted to do so again.
Then compromise by avoiding use of the clutch. Adjust the transmission load to zero, then knock the synchro box into neutral, adjust the revs, then knock it into the next gear, and take up the load.
If you get the RPM wrong often enough, you will wear out the synchro rings, and end up with a real crash box. Have fun.
 
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  • #67
Baluncore said:
so why do people in the USA require so many cars to commute?
It's my precious and bus passengers smell. (Quote from a member of my family - and he's not even American)
 

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