Engine tick & "Jumpy" Idle

[jtm0n3y]

I have a '92 GrandAM SE 3.3 V6. When the car is idle there is a ticking sound that can be heard in the engine that goes synchronously with the engine's rpm speed. What could be causing this? Also, the idle speed is very jumpy, it'll jump from around 1,200 rpm to 800rpm sometimes so low that it sounds like it's going to stall and then it jumps all the way up to around 1,200 rpm. If anyone has any advice at all on how to fix these problems it would be greatly appreciated, thanks :-)!

[Ridenour]

welcome to the forum. As far as the ticking, it could be several things. It could be your lifters, your belt, or even your alternator. As far as the bouncy idle, I'd say either dirty IAC motor (most likely) or MAF, or TPS. Or even minor misfires (plugs / wires). There's many possibilities. Can you tell us more specific symptoms / situations about either problem.

[skibum1111]

With the ticking I would lean towards a sticking lifter, that would cause the eratic idle as well. I had a sunturd that did the same thing, turned out to be a flat spot on the cam which threw everything else out of whack.

[xeroinfinity]

the injectors tick too. if they are clogged or not working properlly you'll get some rough idling and RMP jumps. How many miles? try some injector cleaner. Good LUck

[tlgsteve]

the missfire do to a jumping spark can cause a ticking sound.