02 Sunfire- Revving While Stopped or Idle

[Snake5729]

I have a 02 Sunfire and whenever I am stopped or idling the car revs to about 1,000rpm makes a sort of clicking noise then goes back down then repeats the process until I hit the gas. Does anyone know what is causing this, and if it is something that I should worry about?

[matt09524]

Sounds like you have an injection problem or a misfire on one or more of the cylinders. Does the car lurch forward when stopped like it wants to go?

[Snake5729]

Yes it does. I have to make sure I press the brake down or else it does lurch foward.

[GTP Dad]

Check for a vacuum leak and clean the idle air control motor. It may also be a good idea to clean the mass air flow sensor. All of the above can cause the problems you indicated.

[matt09524]

Ok.. for the record, I had the same problem about three years ago on my 97. It had about 60k miles on it so I decided to take it in for some maintenance as I did not have the time nor any knowledge to work on it. After all was said and done, I had a general tune up done and it turns out I was missing my drive belt. The tensioner had broken and thrown the belt off. I still to this day don't know how that could have caused the problem because from what I understand, the belt only drives the water pump, the alternator and the A/C compressor.The alternator ended up being bad as well due to a its control wires being loose on the PTCB. Longer story there. I would ensure your belt is on securely and check the things GTP said.

One thing about the mass air flow sensor. If that is dirty (or not inserted) you will have VERY rough idling and hard shifting. (atleast on an automatic.) I forgot to put that back in one time. That was a fun drive.

[hotbug1776]

Idle air control valve dirty most likely.

[Snake5729]

Ok so where exactly is the idle air control valve located. And if you could please be as specific as possible. Thank You.

[hotbug1776]

on the throttle body it's got a wire running into it, I'm not sure of the location on yours due to the difference in motors. you got a 2.2L or a 2.4L or an Eco? but it does attach to the throttle body.

[Snake5729]

I have a 2.2L. And where exactly is the throttle body...(not very experienced with the inner workings of a car.)

[hotbug1776]

towards the back of the motor, where the air cleaner tube attaches to the motor, it says 2200 on the part that attaches to the throttle body. Remove the tube with the motor off and you'll see a "flapper" it will be closed. To the (i may be wrong on this) drivers side of the throttle body is where the gas pedal cable attaches. o nthe other side is the throttle position sensor (it attaches to the same bar as the cable bracket does). now on the drivers side of the throttle body I'm thinking it is screwed to the top on the right side of the throttle body. IF you remove it, do NOT move the little piece on the end!!!! you could damage the servomotor.
clean it and replace it back in the car. IF it does happen to move in or out (I hope it's gently) the motor will go nuts for the first few seconds of running. then hopefully settle down. there is atest for the IAC but you should get the Haynes before doing any of this so you know the test and the proper way to remove it. I have a Haynes so if you get stuck, I might break copyright laws and Email you the page it's on. let me know if I confused you enough.

[Snake5729]

Yeah hotbug i am a little confused but thanks for the information. I am going to try to enlist the help of a friend of mine who knows about cars and if i can't I may just might bring it to a car auto shop and see what they can do...I don't want to mess with anything that could screw up my car such as servomotors and stuff. How much do you think and auto repair shop would cost to do something like this?

[hotbug1776]

too much, it's almost better to go to a auto parts store and buy a new one and just replace it if you fear breaking the old one

[Snake5729]

What should I clean the Idle Air Control Valve with? Throttle Cleaner?

[GTP Dad]

Throttle body cleaner is the cleaner of choice. It is not as harsh carb cleaner but will do an excellent job.