Why does my Plymouth Acclaim stall when I let off the gas?

Short answer: An Acclaim that stalls when you let off the gas or coming to a stop often has a MAP sensor (the engine vacuum sensor) problem or a torque converter clutch that isn't unlocking, which Chrysler flags as code 37. Read the codes with the key trick first. If the car dies randomly and won't restart for 10 to 15 minutes, a shop should check fuel delivery and spark.

Symptom: The engine dies every time you lift off the gas, or it stalls first thing in the morning and won't restart for about 10 minutes, then drives fine the rest of the day.

What to check first

1. Pull the codes. Turn the key On-Off-On-Off-On within five seconds and count the check engine light flashes.
2. Code 37 points to the part-throttle unlock circuit for the torque converter clutch. If the converter stays locked, the engine can stall as you stop, like a manual car with the clutch out.
3. A MAP sensor code points to that sensor or its hose and wiring. Moisture in that circuit caused stalling on one member's older Chrysler in cold weather.
4. For a random no-restart, spray a little starting fluid into the intake while cranking. If it fires, it's likely fuel delivery; if not, check for spark.
5. Never disconnect the battery with the engine running to test the alternator. It can damage the alternator and the car's electronics.

Likely causes

1. MAP sensor or its vacuum hose and wiring. Flagged by code on one car, and moisture in the circuit was the cause on a member's older Chrysler.
2. Torque converter clutch not unlocking (code 37). A member explained this can stall the engine when you stop.
3. Fuel delivery problem. Suggested when the car tries to crank but won't fire until it sits.
4. Ignition switch. Mentioned as a possible cause of random shutoffs.

What it usually costs

No owner posted a final repair bill. A MAP sensor is usually an inexpensive part; torque converter clutch diagnosis is shop work, so ask for a quote after testing.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Not reliably. Stalling at intersections or while slowing in traffic is dangerous, and you lose power steering and brake assist when it dies. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for reading codes, checking the MAP hose and replacing a MAP sensor. Torque converter clutch circuits and no-start diagnosis are usually shop jobs. The Allpar site was recommended for Chrysler code lists.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Related recalls: NHTSA lists these recalls touching this area of the Plymouth Acclaim: 89V237000 (1989-1990 model years, engine and engine cooling). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 31 keyword-matched complaints for Plymouth Acclaim 1989–1995 (of 440 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-25; keywords: stall, dies, shut off, won't start, cut out, idle, MAP sensor, hard start). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In Plymouth Acclaim stalling on Car Talk, a 1994 Acclaim that had run well for months started stalling every time the driver took a foot off the gas. A member described the key trick to read codes and said moisture in the MAP sensor circuit had done this on an older Chrysler. The owner found a code 35, and the next day the car drove with no problems.
• In 1990 plymouth acclaim throwing bad map sensor code and a code 37 on Car Talk, a 1990 Acclaim would stall randomly, mostly in the morning, then restart after about 10 minutes. Battery, starter and alternator tested good. A member explained code 37 is the torque converter clutch part-throttle unlock circuit and said it could be causing the stall, and suggested replacing the faulty MAP sensor. A 1991 four-cylinder owner later posted the same problem.
• In Car knocks off randomly while driving on Car Talk, the same 1990 Acclaim owner described stalls where the engine cranked but wouldn't start for 15 minutes. A member warned never to pull a battery cable with the engine running and suggested the starting-fluid test to separate fuel from spark, and the ignition switch as another suspect.

Quick tip

Start with the codes, because these old Chryslers will tell you a lot for free. If code 37 is there, fix that circuit before chasing fuel parts, since a converter that won't unlock can stall the engine just like a bad sensor.

Vehicle focus: 1989–1995 Plymouth Acclaim (2.5L and 3.0L), with the Dodge Spirit as a close sibling.

Safety / mechanic note

Stalling in traffic removes power steering and brake assist. Verify with a mechanic.