96 bonnie occasional high idle, white smoke on start

1. Only twice (car was still hot?) when I started the car it put out some white smoke for a second, ran rough, then the idle went high (2 to 3,000), then it calmed down.

2. Often, after starting or while running, especially when using the A/C, the idle will go up high; 2,000 or higher.

3. Does hiccups or something occasionally while accelerating.

Any ideas what may be causing this?
I was going to start with
plugs, wires, rotor, cap, air filter, fuel filter.
but it seems weirder than that...
thanks for any ideas.

Check your anti-freeze level... If it suddenly seems to have been all used up, probably replace intake gasket and/or manifold. My 98 Bonne did the same thing before it went.

BTW. I do not think you'll find a rotor or distributer cap. These used electronic ignition and used those funny little coil packs. I do not think those easily go bad.

Antifreeze level looks fine. Color looks OK too.
Nope, no rotor and cap, it has coils as you said.

I took it to the shop and they replaced the MAP sensor. It ran fine for a day or so, then acted even weirder than before. Very high idle while at speed, when i came to a stop sign, i put it in neutral and it revved to over 3000 rpm, eventually calming down to the teens.

I replaced the plugs, wires, and air filter. The fuel filter was rusted on and I could not (safely) get it off.

Now the check engine light went off, and it seems to run great!!
Also, a friend read the code and it was P0102, which could have implied the MAP sensor. But apparently the plugs and wires, and maybe air filter fixed it.

Also, the air filter cover was not secured, so air could leak around the filter.

NEXT QUESTION: How can I SAFELY remove the rusted bolt holding the fuel filter? (it is under the rear passenger door.)

thanks

Try soaking it with a penetrating lubricant like WD-40 or PB Blaster. Spray it on liberally and let it soak in for a while. It should come off more easily.