dennisadhs

Ever since the first snow of last year I have been trouble starting my car. It used to start up at about 1500 RPM's then drop down to 1000. I remember that first snowfall last year perfectly. I went to my car and turned to key like usual. I went outside to wipe off the snow and when i came back inside the engine was off. I started again, this time it took longer than usual and it just died out. On the third time I cranked it and pressed the gas a little bit until it was steady. It didnt idel at 1000 when it was cold like it used to. Now it is idling at 700 and and when i put it into drive it idles at 500. It has been doing it ever since. Sometimes does it like old times then sometimes it just doesnt want to start. The worst that it has idled when it was in drive was 250 RPMS!!!! The car had a little vibration but still drove good. What im trying to say is what can possibly make this happen to my car??? Im tired of the slight vibration that just recently started. As I was lurking the boards I saw a post saying that it could be the Engine Coolant Temp. sensor. I thought that would be it and since im short on money I just decided to wait until the weather warmed up. Well its warm now almost in the 80's and my car is still doing the same thing which is making me doubt the sensor is bad. I checked my codes and it threw a 0304 once. I checked it twice after that and it turned out to be nothing. Hopefully someone has a good answer to this I tried to be as descriptive as possible but it is late and I just got off work. Well thanks in advance hope someone can help.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (10)

When was the fuel filter last changed?

mrgreek

iTrader: (1)

do this only if some1 backs me up on this;
change fuel filter, spark plugs, air filter, oil change (only cause its coming to summer anyways)
and clean throttle body, if this aint it, maybe it can narrow the possibilities of other ideas...i dont know, just throwing ideas

dgeesaman

iTrader: (10)

Oh, and have the TPS checked.

Dave

dennisadhs

The Fuel Filter, Spark Plugs(Plats), I put in a K&N air filter, I do regular oil changes, and I just cleaned my throttle body. I also adjusted the TPS not to long ago and it didnt change anything. Im pretty stumped on what to do.....

Bobo

Have you cleaned the idle air control valve (IACV)?

dennisadhs

no. im not sure where that is at. Maybe that is it because it seems to be the only thing I havnt cleaned. Can someone take a pic and show me where it is???

Bobo

Can't take a picture. You should get a Haynes manual. They are fairly inexpensive. It is located on the upper intake plenum (manifold). It controls the amount of air that bypasses the throttle valve, which controls the engine idle speed.

Someone else may be able to pinpoint the location more accurately.