idle problem

[bonezlugo]

i have a 2003 cavalier, the problem i have is when i move my car and press on the clutch or put it on neutral rpm drops lower than 500. sometimes it even turns off at times. its a off and on prob. any help would be appreciated.

[Cold_Silence]

Maybe the idle is set too low for some reason, or many other possibilites such as dirty fuel filter, injectors, anything. Just sounds like its dropping too low to keep the engine running, get the idle speed checked, does it only do it when cold/warm? Alternator even?

[bonezlugo]

it only happens when its cold, once warm it doesnt seem to have a problem

[89Sunbird]

Time for a tune-up, methinks...get some fuel system cleaner, change your plugs, wires. What weight oil are you using?

[bonezlugo]

i have done a tune up already and i change plugs every 6k miles, i use 5-30 oil

[muff34]

you change plugs every 6000 miles ? Why? how do they look ? do they look fouled? Air filter has been done also correct. is the ses light coming on ?

[bonezlugo]

plugs are usually not bad, almost clean but i still do it just for the hell of it, air filter has been cleaned, no lights stay on, everything seems normal

[zuki_ryder]

Hello. Both myself and my sister had '03 Cavaliers with this same issues. I would press in on the clutch and it would either hesitate or die. The issue did not happen all the time. We had both vehicles in the shop numerous times, and the dealer could never find a problem. We ended up trading in both cars for different vehicles. I have since found several reports linked to this issue.

The best remedy I have found said to replace the IAT sensor or the idle air control valve. This may fix the problem. That can be found at this link:
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrol...03/index.shtml - Click on Engine Problems and then click on Stalls at Idle.

You may also look at: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrol...003/tsbs.shtml

There are several technical service bulletins out on this. Looks like a good one is: TSB #610.

I would highly recommend taking the car into a dealership and mention these service bulletins when you tell them about the problem. With as many people having the same problem, they should be well aware of the issue.

I now have an '04 cavalier and have not experienced this problem, yet.

[muff34]

"air filter has been cleaned," , Air filters should be changed not cleaned,unless you have a "re-usable" type filter. What can happen is that just banging the dirt out of them does not get all the dust particles out of filter and you run the risk of sucking the remaining particles into engine and damaging the engine later on. Zuki Ryder may have the best advice for you here.