I am hoping that you all can help me. I have a 93 Gxe that is giving me a idle problem, I think. It seems that when I'm sitting a a red light, with my air conditioning on, when I hear the a/c compressor kick on, my idle drops to around 600 rpms, and the steering wheel shakes like the engine is idiling too low. Then, when the compressor kicks off, my idle jumps back up to normal. Is there a valve or sensor that is supposed to keep the idle steady when a load is put on the engine from accessories? Thanks for your help!!!!

 

there's a valve that is supposed to control idle, called the idle air control valve (iacv) shaped somewhat like a stubby soda can attached to the intake manifold near the battery. sometimes that gets dirty, or suffers electrical failure. first thing to do is to undo the 3 phillips head screws so you can take the thing off and clean the carbon buildup off the plunger, and also try to clean the metal seat that the plunger seals up against down inside the iacv body.

 

Is there a way to test this valve with a meter?

 

problem isn't usually electrical (sometimes, but rarely). it gets dirty, and won't operate correctly. not closing, not opening, etc. cleaning gets the crap out of the way, so it can do it's job.

 

EF-EC-146 shows the resistance test chart
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/1994/ec.pdf

but normally the problem is due to dirt buildup. there's no gaskets to replace if you undo it by the phillips head screws and pull it straight out (don't pry it at an angle.. shouldn't need to use much force at all) but if you undo it using the allen headed bolts then there will be a gasket replacement to do.

 

Thanks for all your help!!!!! I'll check it out.