2.4 engine maint. help

[jpik]

Hey Everybody, first post here after a few months just reading around.

Ok guys I need some advice, I have a 2001 Alero with the 2.4. I searched around and most of you guys have the V6's so I'm really in need of some info for the 4 cyl.. I have 125K on my car, I've babied the heck out of it. Of course the usual problems --I'm on my 4th set of wheel bearings, 3rd set of rotors about 10th set of pads.

I'm looking for any help with tune up stuff, it's been idling in park really low like 500 rpm and sounds like it wants to cut out. plus my gas mileage is pitiful, about 50/50 highway/town im getting about 19-20 miles/gallon:

stuff I have done recently:
-Spark plugs and boots
- oil changes (duh) regularly
- i use a can of that "restore treatment" at every oil change

what else should i do for maintenance/tuneup?

Doing my brakes and rotors up front tonite as well as replacing the belt.

thanks guys


OH forgot to add-- Currently, I have the service engine soon light keeps popping on, I've taken it to my mechanic to check out and its the code for a loose gas cap, so I replaced it with a stock/from the dealer cap, and I still get the SES light

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

I'd recommend fuel and air filter other than what you listed. Clean the idle air controller (IAC) with carb cleaner and the throttle body. After doing that perform an idle relearn. Disconnect battery negative cable for several minutes, then reconnect. Take ignition to on for at least 5 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Start engine.

For the evaporative emissions error code check all the vacuum lines from the engine intake area to the gas tank and evaporative charcoal cannister. A leaking vacuum line can cause a low idle.

[jpik]

Cool, thanks for the reply.

I actually just had the fuel filter replaced, had my fuel pump go bad about 5k ago so they did that too, Air filter i use a K&N although they don't seem to have alot of support from what i've read here.

I'll check the other stuff, thanks

[vamc]

I have a evap problem with mine. I changes the canaster, release mod. everything. It keeps comming back on. 146,500mi on my baby. It still runs. I think im going to get a new car next spring.

[jpik]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Welcome to AF.

I'd recommend fuel and air filter other than what you listed. Clean the idle air controller (IAC) with carb cleaner and the throttle body. After doing that perform an idle relearn. Disconnect battery negative cable for several minutes, then reconnect. Take ignition to on for at least 5 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Start engine.

For the evaporative emissions error code check all the vacuum lines from the engine intake area to the gas tank and evaporative charcoal cannister. A leaking vacuum line can cause a low idle.

Anyone want to tell me where to find the IAC and throttle body, well basically where do i find everything in this post? LOL

thanks

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by jpik

Anyone want to tell me where to find the IAC and throttle body, well basically where do i find everything in this post? LOL

thanks

The throttle body is the device that allows or meters air into the intake manifold as you press the accelerator. It is located at the end of the rubber ducting coming from the airbox which has the air filter. The accelerator pedal cable is connected to it to control a butterfly valve. The IAC is the sensor that controls the idle. It is located on the throttle body. Normally a black round module with an electrical connector. It can be removed for cleaning or replacement.