I've had off and on idle problems for a while. I just cleaned my MAF and it helped a bit. I replaced my battery and alternator recently and that helped a bit as well. When I first start my car sometimes it will stall right after cranking it over if I don't hit the gas. Once I do the RPMs shoot up and stay up like they should. Every once in a while it'll stall, but after running for a few minutes there will be no problems. What should I test?

 

firebirdjosh,

Idle problems on TPI motors are not uncommon.

I would check the fuel filter and the IAC (Idle Air Control) sensor first. Make sure both are clean.

If both of these are fine and it still occurs, then you may have a problem with TPS (throttle position sensor), EGR, or the fuel pump.

Also, see if the Check Engine Light comes on when this problem occurs.

Hope this helps.

Best of luck!

 

Chased this on mine for months. Finally figured out, I think, it was not getting a good rpm signal from the distributor. Took it out and the pickup coil looked terrilble, connections green, module was nasty looking too. Old age, heat, moisture I guess. Reworked the whole deal and problem solved. Maybe not on your car but wouldn't hurt to pull the cap and see how things look in there.