Surge and stall problem.

[fstmvr]

Hello all,

My wife and I have a 2000 Rodeo with the V-6 and two wheel drive. We've noticed a condition which is similar to others on this forum. My only problem is that many of the other situations, while similar, don't seem to be the same. As a result, there is a laundry list of possible causes and solutions. I was hoping that posting my particular situation would result in a more custom solution, so please pardon me if my situation has already been answered.

Our vehicle seems to drive and idle fine, but when the A/C is running, I hear the compressor clutch engaging and disengaging, which I know is normal. However, when the clutch engages, the engine idle drops to near stall and then surges to 1200 rpm and then settles down. Occasionally, the engine does stall and has to be re-started.

Any ideas?

Best regards,

Lon

[johnsm]

I have the same problem, except it only happens in warm weather and only at start up and no cel. Here is something similar and a solution. New spark plug boots

John

[OnTarget]

Lon,

Welcome. I had the same problem but was not as eloquent in my description of the problem. Well done, I was able to really "feel" your pain.

I didn't really get much help since my description lacked, but I was able to tinker around and found the solution. Please keep in mind, I'm not a mechanic so someone may be able to clean up my fix with proper part names.

You'll need to take the air intake off to expose your throttle body (the flap that opens and closes based on the position of the accelerator pedal). On mine, the throttle body was gunked up and was sticking (not free moving).

I brought home two cans of highly pressurized "jet" spray cans of carb cleaner and sprayed the s**t out of the opening to the point that it looked new (or at least what I think new would look like). I was able to clean some of the gunk out of the EGR tube as well inside the manifold while I was in there.

Remember to get down low and clean the top area of the throttle opening as there's likely gunk up there, too.

Someone else may be able to post pictures if necessary.

I didn't lubricate the throttle body, but thought about it since it was then nice and shiny and bright. Maybe someone else can comment on whether that's a good idea and what lubrication to use. I like T9 and Eureka Fluid Film.

-Douglas

[fstmvr]

Thank you Douglas! I'll give your solution a try. I appreciate your help. John, If Douglas' solution doesn't work, I'll try yours next. I knew someone would likely have had the same problem and solution. Thanks again gents!

Best regards,

Lon

[fstmvr]

Thanks Douglas and John!

Well, I used Gumout throttle body cleaner spray on the throttle body. When I attempted to run the motor without the intake duct in place, the engine would run for for a few seconds and then stop. I tried manually manipulating the butterfly valve, but there is a computer controlled solenoid which took over control of the valve and prevented me from moving it. I even had my wife pressing on the gas pedal to no use. I turned off the motor, manually opened up the valve and sprayed the valve body liberally.

I then put the duct back into place loosely and had my wife start the motor. After a backfire which blew off the airbox lid, it started and ran like a champ. Needless to say the CEL went on, but I reset it and restarted the motor and let is run for several minutes with no problems or CEL's. The motor runs great and no stalling with the A/C compressor coming on. Thanks for your help guys.

Best regards,

Lon

BTW, I hope nothing goes wrong from the backfire. It was kind of startling, but fortunately I wasn't under the hood when it happened. I checked the can of cleaner. Talk about your bomb in a can....it contains acetone and xylene. Yikes!!