1998 saturn SL2 idle speed changes low, high, back to low

[sixwongs]

1998 saturn SL2 idle speed changes low, high, back to low .
Some times the car dies, can happen any time a few times in traffic.
Once the engines dies the idle stays low for 5 minutes, then the problem goes away for a while (a week)
You never know when it will happen.
Any suggestions ?

[Cat Fuzz]

Remove and clean the throttle body and IAC valve. If that doesn't work, replace the IAC valve after inspecting the wiring closely.

[sixwongs]

Originally Posted by Cat Fuzz

Remove and clean the throttle body and IAC valve. If that doesn't work, replace the IAC valve after inspecting the wiring closely.

Hi Cat Fuzz,

Thanks for the info.

I sprayed carb cleaner and wiped out the inside with toweling. lots of black liquid
to clean up. Has run good since then.

Why does cleaning that make the idle change ?

thanks
sixwongs

[Cat Fuzz]

The idle is controlled by a solenoid in the throttle body that the ECM uses to vary the opening in the passage, allowing more or less air in depending upon need. When the passage or solenoid get gunked up, the ECM can begin having difficulty controlling the idle.