Ok! Ive had the car about a week. Runs fine except the following symptoms.

Idles low w/AC off.
Idles better w/AC on, then goes down low again.
The idle goes up and down on its own, and doesnt make up its mind.

Sometimes the idle will die and almost shut off the engine, in the process, slowing the car seemingly with help from the transmission, then its immediately back to normal. The hitch only lasts for a second, maybe two.

Other problem, when I turn the idle will die and engine shuts off. I'd say this happens 1/40 turns. Only happened once on a right hand turn. Shut off while beginning to reverse from a parking space. I noticed when i turn the wheel a little bit left or right the engine will shudder and the idle will raise and lower. Somethings not right there..

Throttle sticks? Sometimes when I accelerate it feels like it sticks or stalls. I will be accelerating -it only happens when I am pushing the pedal- and the car will stop accelerating, and jerk. Its like the transmission is downshifting on its own or not making up its mind as to what gear its supposed to be in.

Its strange as hell.. Never experienced anything like it in my GXE. I was hoping to get some insight and advice from all the tuners out there. Im going to replace the control arms, struts, both valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, oil switch, power steering line and clean out the idle control valve. I think that is the problem, and it might need replacing.

It was also suggested to me that I should get the transmission serviced. That sounds a little costly, anyone have a rough price on that?

It was also solemnly suggested that it might be the ECU acting up. Sometimes the acceleration glitches at low speed, sometimes right between shifting gears, and sometimes while slamming the gas (testing purposes only).

I was also thinking about the crank angle sensor.. Should I have that checked as well?

I really appreciate any/all feedback. Im pretty unfamiliar with the VE and its quirks after having a VG for about 6 years.

Thanks all!

 

Unplug the maf sensor,then see if it still idles funny...

 

Note: The car will not rev over 2000 rpm with the sensor unplugged...

 

I'll check that. Never revs above hmm.... 1100 rpm on idle. Maybe 1200.

 

I'd start with cleaning the IAC and the throttle body.

 

Yeah,that'll fix it...

 

ummm.....that sounds exactlly like what mine did before i got my injectors changed .....however it still does it occasionallly(not nearly as bad).... probably because i only had 2 injectors changed

 

he has an idle issue.
he also feels a sticking in the throttle.
sounds like dirty problems to me.

 

Dirty wat. Valves? Transmission?
Should I get the trans serviced?

previous owner had all 6 injectors replaced at the same time probably about a year ago. He had same problems with engine imbalance I had with my GXE.

Power is good, and only seems to have throttle problems at low speed..
Is there any chance it is ECU related? Because it seems to me like its more sensors and vac lines. IAC and throttle body is getting a good cleaning. So is the MAF.

As for the MAF.. took its connector out and the engine just died. Was it supposed to keep idling? I never remember checking it like that, but im sure I have seen my mechanic try something like that. Anyways, it just died. Connector looked new and no corrosion was present.

Sounds like I have some cleaning to do.

 

Try replacing the IACV as mentioned above.Who knows, if it's sticking like that the works just might be really dirty/crusty.FYI The idle goes up when the AC is on because the compressor puts a load on the engine so it bumps up the idle to compensate...your idle goes down when you turn because the power steering pump puts a load on the engine.

 

Yea i knew about the AC and idle boost. Does the same with my windows and moonroof-mod. I need to get an alternator that pushes a little more amps. Maybe about 20 or 30. I suppose I can get it rewound. Wouldnt help much on the A/C but for other electrics.

 

Had the exact same thing. After a GOOD cleaning (throttle body) it fixed it right up. 30-90 minutes worth of work with basic tools. Should idle around 800 rpm IMO.