salesmunn

Hope you guys can help with this.

I'm driving a 1991 Cavalier 2.2 base model. Great little cherry with 57,800 original miles on it. I purchased this vehicle almost 2 years ago with 25,000 miles on the clock. At that time, I tossed new brakes on it and replaced the plugs and had my dealership complete a full transmission service and replace the rear engine mounts. The plug wires were in perfect condition. Since then I've replaced the alternator and changed the oil/rotated tires at normal 3000 mile intervals.

For the past week the car is giving me trouble. The idle is extremely rough when I'm in Drive and sitting in traffic. When I attempt to accelerate from a stop, the car won't respond. I can sit there pounding on the gas for sometimes 5 or 6 seconds and it won't accelerate. Finally, it will suddenly get gas and take off. When moving the car runs like a top, no problem. If I slow down to an idle and sit for any signficiant amount of time, it will reoccur. I'm worried I'm going to get killed if this happens at the wrong time.

I'd hate to bring this to a local shop for a diagnosis (local guys have screwed me in the past) and my dealership isn't open on Saturdays. I'm going to try some Fuel Injector cleaning stuff from the Auto store today and see if that helps. Anyone have any suggestings or experience with this?

Thanks

Classicrocjunkie

check your fuel filter is might be clogged.... or even your throttle cable might need to be re adjusted..

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salesmunn

Okay, I'll add that onto the list of things to try after the fuel injector cleaner later today. Thanks for the input.

I'll be sure to post what the resolution is, if I find one.

4dr92cavi4cyl

Changed the air filter lately?

salesmunn

The air filter was changed during that initial maintenance but I don't recall changing the air filter since then. I recall checking it around April and it looked squeaky clean.

I'll add that to my list, thanks.

4dr92cavi4cyl

Sounds like the Throtle Position Sensor.

salesmunn

I've read of that in other forums. I'll keep that one in mind.

I've filled the tank and dropped in some STP Fuel System Cleaner and tossed in a new FRAM air filter. It seemed to run better for the 3 blocks I drove but I'm going to check all the fluids when the car cools then head out for a spin and see how it is.

I'll let you guys know, thanks for all the help so far.

Mangoamerican

you might as well pop your aic valve off and clean er up.. clean clean clean! dirty fuel ERG! im going to start payin for premium!!

movin2stereo

Actually I read on here that a higher grade gas will burn cooler and increase carbon.Where a lower grade will burn hotter and decrease carbon.

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bighead

could be the head gasket.. I know how to change them if you need help...

bighead

no..seriously... I had a 95 Altima that did the same thing.... I put in new spark plugs and it worked great... Start with the cheap stuff and go from there...

Mangoamerican

hah, it could be your spark plug gap.. a dime should go thru with a little bit of friction

salesmunn

Hey guys, thanks for all the responses....

Well I replaced the Air Filter (it was dark but I've seen worse) and ran some STP Fuel System Treatment through the car. It ran without a problem for that entire tank of gas.

Now, with the new tank of gas the problems have arisen and are worse. Now the car will most definitely stall out if I don't keep my foot slightly on the gas. (it will start up instantly after a stall without a hitch, though. It also doesn't stall in Park and runs smooth when it's cold.)

If the car begins to stall out and I lay on the gas, it doesn't respond. However, it seems pumping the gas pedal heavily will almost always bring the car out of it.

I brought it to the local service station on this past Saturday, had him replace the serpentine belt (it squealed pretty bad in the rain) and the fuel filter as well as change the oil (500 miles early). The mechanic said the filter looked like it had only normal wear.

I don't see any difference since that maintenance. I'm constantly forced to keep my foot on the gas when crawling in traffic or standing still. I've been going into work early and leaving late to avoid rush hour traffic. (Rush hour in NY + stalled vehicle = certain death and/or assault by other drivers)

Could this be resolved by just adjusting my idle up a notch? Maybe this is a problem with my fuel pump, can it be a fuel pump if it only dies at low revs?

I'm going to run the Fuel Treatment through again and make sure that still works. If so, then should I check out the Fuel Injectors and/or Fuel Pump? Should I look deeper than just the fuel system?

godenm

sounds like IAC valve,they get stuck and cant move from all the carbon build-up.take it off (2-screws) spray carb/choke cleaner on it and wipe off with a rag (being careful not to push pindle in) repeat a few times,then spray some into hole where it goes,probly have to do it afew times.i would not try adjusting idle,that would just lead to more problems.

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salesmunn

Well, I took tomorrow morning off and made an appointment with my local dealership for service. I'm a former employee there and I know them well. I'm confident they'll find the problem.

Hopefully it doesn't cost me a fortune, otherwise I'll walk out with a newer Cavalier. :-O