2001 GA GT - Possessed!

[geodiggr]

Hi all,

Here's the scoop...

Had the intake gasket replaced about two weeks ago...

1st time after starting up I noticed the belt squeeling...1st long trip I noticed a smell of coolant. Call the garage to inform them of the issues...

This past week let the wife drive it into work...1st day she complains of the idle on the car being up and down when you come to a stop. This was after the drivers side power window died with the window halfway down...we did get it back up after removing the panel and appying some force.

2nd day, idle still up and down. Car ran like it didn't want to stop, e.g. it was idling really high, temp gauge stayed at 100 (after 10 minutes of city driving), tranny started shifting hard, etc., etc. She got home, put in park idling really high, turned it off, sounded like a jet engine coming to a stop then all the lights came on, on the dash.

Obviously, being the master mechanic I am (kidding) I went out to fix the problem...opened the door, several lights were on, on the dash. I started it up and it idled extremely high, turned it off, slow to rev down, etc. just like she said...

Now, the battery is dead and before I start ripping the car apart I'm trying to get a feeling of what the problem might be. If potentially related to the intake gasket I'll take it back to the shop...if an alternator (which I suspect) then I'll do it myself.

Just looking for advice and input...

Thanks,
Rick

[GTP Dad]

This sounds like you have a major vacuum leak possibly due to the intake manifold gaskets not properly sealing. Check you engine to see if you can find any coolant lying on the top or any marks where it drained out. Also check the coolant to see if it is low. Finally, check the oil. If there is any water in it then whoever did the intake gaskets screwed up and you need to take the car back to them. Actually I think I would take it straight to the shop and tell them of your issues, it didn't do this before the change and shouldn't do it now!!!