Idling Problem

[Vtolds]

My car idles kinda irradic it goes up and down between 600 rpms and 700 rpms at idle and sounds like it about to stall then it revs back up to 700 rpms. I have the 2.4 liter engine I just replaced the filter in my intake to see if that would help and it didn't and my battery is about 8 months old. Any guesses on what it is?

[ptrudel]

sounds maybe like restricted fuel filter...or the coil pack is going bad...or the plug boots are cracked...

[Vtolds]

I think if I start changing parts I will start at the cheapest and move my way up

[ptrudel]

start with fuel filter...then go from there

[Vtolds]

Looks like this is the way to go about doing it is , fuel filter, Spark boots, Coil pack, coil pack cover and yes I have changed the spark plugs already.

[freeze12]

Try cleaning the Idle Air Control Valve located @ the side of the Throttle Body. Find it and look in the TB bore & You will see a hole where the valves pintle is, spray it with Throttle Body Cleaner & let it sit for a few minutes...start the car then spray it again reving the Throttle so the motor will not stall.

[Vtolds]

I just pulled of my valve cover cover and my spark boots look to be burned is that normal?

[Vtolds]

So to clean the idle air control I spray it with throttle body cleaner and I spray it inside the throttle body.

[ptrudel]

im pretty sure they're not supposed to be burnt...check for cracks tho...i know mine had cracked and sumhow when it was wet, the boots were sparking to each other(so says the dealer)

Originally posted by 2000_olds_alero@Aug 31 2004, 09:26 AM
im pretty sure they're not supposed to be burnt...check for cracks tho...i know mine had cracked and sumhow when it was wet, the boots were sparking to each other(so says the dealer)

prolly sparking across the water collected between 'em, tho I would think that would evaporate quickly. Lots of juice there. Ever grab a cracked wire at the coil when the engine is running? I had a burn in my palm the size of a dime (where I was holding up the hood) charge went thru my body and to the hood.

Oh, and I have had that happen before. Change the fuel filter, then clean the IAC valve. (even if the filter fixes it).

[j-work]

Replace the boots. That is what was wrong with mine when it started to idle funny. If you have not replaced the fuel filter yet... I would do that too.

[Vtolds]

If I do any thing I will probably start with the spark boots since they are the easiest thing to change.

im having that same problem.......its not the fuel filter, ive replaced that, not the air filter, and not the plugs ive replaced those kinda recently........im going to spray some of that throttle body cleaner and see if that works, if anybody can post som4e pictures of exactly where you need to spray i would appreciate it, next i think i would try the coils and see if they are toast......

[jeremythebear]

had the same problem - only happened at idle - faulty spark plug but since you've changed them ......

[Vtolds]

Old plugs on the Left New plugs on the right



Cracked Plug


Still idles the same but it feels like it has a bit more acceleration.