my car lately seems to turn over way to much to get started, and once it does start, the car struggles to maintain idle RPMs and will sometimes cut off. I recently changed the starter, fuel filter, and its been about 16,000 miles since i've changed the spark plugs. It doesn't make any strange noises, it just turns over alot. i've also got a CEL.

 

Your problem may be something as simple as cleaning your throttle body out but then again something tripped your CEL. Have you checked into that yet to see what code it's giving you?

How to: http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecu.html

decoder: http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecudecoder.html

 

i cleaned my TB while i changed the starter. i performed the CEL test; results:
P0115: Eng coolant temp. circuit malfunction
P0325: knock sensor
P0110: intake air temp. malfunction IAT circuit
P1335: manufacturer specific code
the CEL light has been on for months. and also, the car, while im driving seems like it wants to cut off, the RPMs drop way low and the car almosts cuts off.

 

My car would do the same thing when coming back to idle(wanting to die). My computer gave a faulty Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. I fixed it $27 later, no more problems. My car has a lot of miles, and if your max has a lot, too, then you are going to have to either clean or replace most of your sensors. Buy an electrical component cleaner/protectant and hit each sensor one by one. I would disconnect the battery while doing this.

 

i had similar problem before, if ur idle rpm is below 7,500 here is couple things u can do besides cleanin TB and doin a CEL:

1. tighened up ur gas petal more, so it'll think ur pressin the gas petal... it'll rev up and pump gas into ur engine, but not a lot...jus enough to keep ur car runnin
2. if u have an empty tank, pump it up!
3. rev up to warm up ur engine, after drivin it for couple minutes ur engine should be warmed up.

those things helped me, hopefully it'll help u.

 

Change your engine coolant temp sensor, then reset your ECU.

Drive around for a while........

See if the Air Intake Temp sensor code comes back, if it does, replace that too.

The KS code should go away after the ECTS is replaced.

 

thanks guys, i found the engine coolant temp. sensor for $20.20 plus $7.50 shipping. hopefully that will alleviate the problem 'cause that looks bad when i have the ladies in the car.

 

wow, it would be nice if the KS code would go away when i change my ECTS. i didnt really want to spend more than $120 on a thing so small.