Hey guys, i just got a 97 SE, automatic, 77,000miles, payed 9 grand for it. I leave it for a day or so in the cold weather, then i start up the car, my RPM's for up to 1.4 or so and then go down to like .6 or so, they jump like that a couple of times and then the car dies. I start up the car again, only this time pressing the gas to keep RPM's up and its fine after a little while. Once the car is a bit heated and the RPM's are stabalized, the car is fine, drives like a baby, i shut it down start it up again like nothing happend. The guy who sold said it is most likely the Idle Control Sensor, or the service guy put Regular gas instead of Super, if any one has an idea of what it might be, ill appritiate your help, also when i put on Drive and stand still i feel small vibrations through the steering wheel, maybe the car just needs an engine tune up?

 

get a tune up and then if it still happens........blame it on the mechanic

 

What are you talking about?

Just try and get some codes from your ECU(if any) and see what is the cause of it for yourself before you slam $$$ down for a little problem, if any.

 

Whats ECU? what do you think the problem could be?

 

Fellas ... look like we might have a rookie on our hands











ECU is the engine control unit ... it electronically controls everything on your engine (ignition, timing, air/fuel mix, etc).

Do you have a check engine light on? gtr_rider is suggesting you check the ECU if there are any codes that could indicate a malfunction.

 

Nope, no check engine sign, everything seems normal when it comes to any warning lights flashing, i just start it up RPM's jump up and down, and it dies

 

My '99 SE started having an idle problem after I cleaned the throttle body. Mine acts different that yours does. When my engine is cold, it starts and idles perfectly without me touching the gas pedal. After the engine is warmed up to operating temperature, if I turn off the engine, to restart, I have to use the gas pedal to give a little gas or the engine starts and then dies. After I give a little gas and it runs for 10 seconds, it idles fine with my foot off the gas pedal. Other the the idle when doing a warm engine start, my Max is running fine and getting close to 30 mpg cruising the interstate at 76 mph so I have not tried to troubleshoot the idle problem.

 

clean out your throttle body. look up 'throttle body cleaning' using search function. also go to this site and look at their excellent write-up on throttle body cleaning

http://www.motorvate.ca/

be sure you use a fuel injector/throttle body cleaner not carburator cleaner. I had the same problem and this fixed 75% of the problem. also, check your spark plugs. they should've been changed at 60,000 miles. if they need replacing, use the OEM NGK platinums (even though they might cost more). I dont recommend Bosch(i've had very bad experiences with this brand) another thing to do is to replace your fuel filter. if you're getting bad mileage as well this may be your problem. i think you just need to catch up on some general maintainance.