Intermittent Fast Idle - Engine Troubleshooting


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Intermittent Fast Idle

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Claypoole
New User

Dec 17, 2005, 12:12 PM

Post #1 of 6 (3379 views)

Intermittent Fast Idle	Sign In

Could use some suggestions please. Have 2001 Malibu 3.1. For the last couple of months the idle would intermittently increase either when starting the car from cold or even while running after it's warmed up. Meaning I do not have to keep my foot on the pedal as it cruises down the road at between 1500-2000 rpm. What to do?

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 18, 2005, 3:44 PM

Post #2 of 6 (3375 views)

Re: Intermittent Fast Idle	Sign In

If you don't have a "check engine" light on you may soon. Best I can say right now is to look for vacuum leaks even though rare for that new a car. Any recent work that may have left a vac hose or wiring unplugged is also a place to look for now. Start with the small stuff - if nothing found hit back. - T

Claypoole
New User

Dec 18, 2005, 4:01 PM

Post #3 of 6 (3369 views)

Re: Intermittent Fast Idle	Sign In

Thanks for your reply Tom. I have looked under the hood and did not find any loose or disconnected hoses but there's always a chance I missed one. I am thinking gunked up throttle body or maybe an air idle control or something like that.

Claypoole

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 19, 2005, 9:27 AM

Post #4 of 6 (3364 views)

Re: Intermittent Fast Idle	Sign In

You didn't mention a check engine light so you should check that the bulb works. Without starting the car put the key to run and look at where the warning lights are, they for the short time cranking to start some others may come on. This is to check the bulbs that they work. OK, if that checks out you probably don't have a code stored to assist here so.... other possiblilities are....

* Air cleaner housing and all its snorkle work has to be good and secure. No leaks.

* You can find obscure vacuum leaks with carb/throttle body cleaner sprayes at sealing gaskets like intake parts and suspect hoses. CAREFUL as some brands are able to make a fire if sprayed on hot parts. Cleaning the throttle body can't hurt.

* Just because - use some isopropyl formula fuel dry gas. The cheaper stuff is just anit-freeze - the isopropyl will remove moisture. There's always some for condensation but usually older cars suffer.

If this doesn't work see about the "free" code check at Auto Zone, or now I've heard Advantage does the same.

IMPORTANT! If you don't feel safe in this car with this condition get some help from a reputable shop. Accidents cost a fortune and worse is someone gets hurt. - T

Claypoole
New User

Dec 19, 2005, 12:48 PM

Post #5 of 6 (3360 views)

Re: Intermittent Fast Idle	Sign In

Being that I'm not into these newer cars today, I brought it over to my local honest auto repair shop. They cleaned out the throttle body which needed a cleaning and will be replacing the idle air control valve. So we'll see what happens after that. All my panel lights are working and there was no check engine light that illuminated. Thanks for your thoughts.

Claypoole

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 19, 2005, 3:32 PM

Post #6 of 6 (3358 views)

To Claypoole and all readers of the tread	Sign In

Claypool - I think you made a wise choice and hope it's all set for the holidays.

_______________________________________

Folks - shops are mostly good and honest in my experience. Don't feel bad if you need the hands on help and some work may take tools that would cost more than you could save. We try like heck but there are going to be things that you'll need help with. Even I have to rely on (friends in the biz) for several things that I am not willing to spend the money in equipment for. Happy Motoring folks. We try out best at this but we are all going to need help from time to time. -T

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