Thanks to Dirk for the speedy fix!

Anyhow, having the temps rise above zero, the gravel removed from the roads and the parka put back in the closet, I gave my car a full over cleaning the other day...

The engine was looking pretty filth, so I used some of that areosol engine bright stuff made by Gunk.. I've used it in the past and can say form experience that it works fairly well for breaking down most of the grime into something that can be rinsed off (of course not on your own driveway ).

Well, after rinsing it off, taking care to avoid the electronics, distributor, alternator etc etc.. I fired it up to dry off and went inside... Later on I noticed she idles high (1200-1500 RPM), I think stock is around 650-800... Even once it's warm, the engine revs up and down in this range. It sounds as if it tries lower itself back down to the normal level, but kicks back in as if it was going to stall... I checked all the plug connections and coil connection, wiggled every little ignition connection I could find and even removed the air filter temporarily to see if it was plugged... The engine sounds a little different, but I can't a thought on how it sounds different.. It's like there is an ignition problem of some sort...

Oh, and since yesterday the CHECK ENGINE SOON light comes on at low RPM for a few seconds then goes away. Usually at stop signs or just before I park.

Any suggestions?

 

first disconnect the battery, and wait 30 seconds and try it again... it could be an old code.

Then double check all sensors and try cleaning the IAT

 

I booked an apointment for it to get plugged into the scanner tomorrow morning. I'll post my findings. It's about time I buy some new plugs, wires, rotor etc for this beast, so perhaps I'll get the diagnoses and go from there.

Oh, and she totally lacks power below 1500 RPM. You really gotta give her some gas before you let the clutch out from a stop... Otherwise it'll hesitate once the clutch engages and again, sounds and feels like it's goign to stall for a moment.

 

dude, you don't need a scanner. all you need is a paper clip

 

I dont know what an IAT is or where the sensors live on this engine.

 

oops sorry, I mean the IAC valve- it's located on the passenger side of the throttle body.

 

I have zero understanding of how a TBI system goes about doing it's thing, so I'll try to explain the problem the best I can.

The engine scanner says some sort of switch (it's on the side of the throttle body) has died, and is causing the engine to run rich and unefficiently. The mechanic mentioned that it was reading ~2.6V or so at an idle when it should be ~0.5V. It's a $120CAD part, but hopefully with it replaced things will be back to normal and I'll save that much on not_wasted fuel over the next month.

This is one of those things where I know the guy could jerk me around a bit becuase electronics are over my head Hopefully he's being honest.

I also grabbed a new oil breather filter and K&N recharger kit, since both of those were discustingly filthy

Cheers for the support, Token.

 

It was the TPS (throttle position sensor). At an idle, mine was reading 2.62Volts, when it was supposed to be reading 0.5V. Lordco sent the wrong part, so a local mechanic stuck in one of his 'misc jar' TPS sensors from a 91 camaro and it idles normally now.


However, I noticed after leaving the shop that once it hits about 1500rpm, the engine light comes back on, and the engine will not return to an normal idle... Just like before, only the check engine light never turns off...

Anyway, I took it back for another scan, and it turns out the used TPS (probably put in the misc jar for this very reason) reads 0.41Volts at an idle instead of 0.5V... Also, if I go VROM VROOOOOM, the tailpipes leave thick black carbon on the concrete.... Anyway, this guys was tryign to charge me $120 for a NEW TPS, ensuring it was cheaper than buying one myself (less is buisiness discount)...

I went to Lorco and they quoted me $44 for the part... So yeah, I'll be going back to the mechanic and asking for some cash back when I return the ****ed, used TPS...

Could be an honest mistake, since the TPS Lordco initially sent was for a 91 TPI car... Perhaps it is worth more money, and the mechanic didnt' notice.

---------------------------------=
Summary of costs here...

$40CAD for the diagnostic scan
$100 for the used TPS + .5hrs shop time to remove the air cleaner/install the sensor etc. etc. (at the time it seemed reasonable having a new one cost $120CAD alone, and his TPS seemed to work properly).

In short, $140 for an engine scan! I think I'll ask for $50 back and see what he says.... What do you think?


Oh, and Token... Think that paperclip woudl have worked still??

 

Update:

Bought the part, installed the part... This one is large screw holes, so it's adjustable in either direction. In it's current position, the car drives fine, no lights turn on and all seems well. I gave her a wuick run without the airbox and cleaner installed... Oh my does it sound cool Also, a noticable increase in throttle response and power. I think I'll be buying myself one of those open air element dealies I've seen on so many non-TPI 3rd gens.

any suggestions as far as that goes? I'll read around in the 5.0L threads for cheap power adders.