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Engine won't idle from cold start and dies when shifted into gear

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Old 11-30-2016, 03:00 PM
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Engine won't idle from cold start and dies when shifted into gear

I've been slowly eliminating problems with my 89 TBI camaro for a while now. Recently changed and appropriately adjusted the TPS and replaced the broken vacuum lines going to the throttle body. Also fixed the timing as the mechanic I took it to last had apparently saw fit to put the timing to what appeared to be retarded 8 degrees or so which was causing random stalling when I would be stopped at a red light or when I went to slow down and turn in. My current problem is that now when I turn it on after the initial surge in rpm from starting the RPMs will bottom out and it'll die. It will also die when I shift it into gear at times and has improved on that since the timing was adjusted but it still seems like it can't compensate for the sudden load the trans puts on the engine.
Old 12-01-2016, 12:11 AM
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Re: Engine won't idle from cold start and dies when shifted into gear

Sounds like you need to replace the IAC (idle air control valve)
Old 12-01-2016, 09:42 AM
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Re: Engine won't idle from cold start and dies when shifted into gear

I have done that already as well.
Old 12-01-2016, 01:22 PM
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Re: Engine won't idle from cold start and dies when shifted into gear

Did you set the IAC like this?
https://www.thirdgen.org/tpimod2/
Old 12-01-2016, 03:46 PM
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Re: Engine won't idle from cold start and dies when shifted into gear

Yes that was actually the guide that I followed. Thought maybe I should go through the process again. I also had a thought about the car running too cool. It won't run above 110 hardly due to the fan being hard wired and having a 160 degree thermostat.
Old 12-02-2016, 12:42 AM
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Re: Engine won't idle from cold start and dies when shifted into gear

I thought I would also note that my car did not start having this kind of problem until the electronic spark control module was replaced along with the distributor cap. There may have been other parts replaced at the time but I know for sure those two were.




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