Inconsistent Idle, Stop Sign Troubles
#1
Inconsistent Idle, Stop Sign Troubles
I've got a 2002 Monte Carlo that I'm trying to coax through another two years.
Six months ago I replaced the MAF sensor after the car had died at a stop sign, and while it would start, it would never find an idle and the engine would stop. The MAF change fixed the problem, all was good.
I bought a dirt cheap MAF however, and after my battery failed this week it started doing the same thing to me-- died while idling, both at a stop sign and while in my driveway. This time it also seemed to lose power while accelerating, basically going up, halting for a second, then up again, like stairs. Figured the MAF might have got hurt by the battery failure, or maybe it was just cheap garbage, so I bought a nice new one. The car has worked and has not died on me for a few days now, that's great. Seems more reactive when really hitting the gas too, very nice. But it's idle seems low, and it's giving me a heart attack at every stop sign, watching the RPMs dance around at stop signs.
So my problem: I'm getting roughly 600 RPM with a bit of movement (generally dipping down) at idle, are there any basic tweaks/things I can check to get a healthier idle? Am I overreacting to an old, rusted to hell car?
I'm planning to replace the air filter, and probably the spark plugs. Anything other you guys can suggest?
Six months ago I replaced the MAF sensor after the car had died at a stop sign, and while it would start, it would never find an idle and the engine would stop. The MAF change fixed the problem, all was good.
I bought a dirt cheap MAF however, and after my battery failed this week it started doing the same thing to me-- died while idling, both at a stop sign and while in my driveway. This time it also seemed to lose power while accelerating, basically going up, halting for a second, then up again, like stairs. Figured the MAF might have got hurt by the battery failure, or maybe it was just cheap garbage, so I bought a nice new one. The car has worked and has not died on me for a few days now, that's great. Seems more reactive when really hitting the gas too, very nice. But it's idle seems low, and it's giving me a heart attack at every stop sign, watching the RPMs dance around at stop signs.
So my problem: I'm getting roughly 600 RPM with a bit of movement (generally dipping down) at idle, are there any basic tweaks/things I can check to get a healthier idle? Am I overreacting to an old, rusted to hell car?
I'm planning to replace the air filter, and probably the spark plugs. Anything other you guys can suggest?
#3
I can tell you from working in a parts store for over 10 years that MAF are the most common "dead-on-arrival" part. They are often remanufactured and I've sold brands that I would estimate failed 50% of the time right off the shelf (we discontinued those). My point is that getting 2 new MAF's that were both bad isn't that unlikely. If possible, try swapping one out of a working car to test with
#5
Well, good news is I found a mouse nest up against my air filter. Pulling that out and replacing the filter really helped with the idle.
Bad news is that now a day later either the manifold or upper engine gasket started pouring coolant. The car is rusted to hell, and has a myriad of other small problems. So it looks like I'm in the market for a new car.
Thanks to everyone who responded, and while I'm not sure if I'll end up with another Monte Carlo, I gotta say this site has been great these past five years.
Bad news is that now a day later either the manifold or upper engine gasket started pouring coolant. The car is rusted to hell, and has a myriad of other small problems. So it looks like I'm in the market for a new car.
Thanks to everyone who responded, and while I'm not sure if I'll end up with another Monte Carlo, I gotta say this site has been great these past five years.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AsTheDaysOfNoahWere
Monte Carlo Repair Help
8
06-14-2013 08:56 AM
mrl390
General Monte Carlo Talk
4
05-06-2009 08:48 PM