Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling

Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling

Step Action Value(s) Yes No
DEFINITION: Engine runs unevenly at idle. If severe, the engine or vehicle may shake. Engine idle speed may vary in RPM. Either condition may be severe enough to stall the engine.
1 Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed? Go to Step 2 Go to the A Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
2
  1. Perform a bulletin search.
  2. If a bulletin that addresses the symptom is found, correct the condition as instructed in the bulletin.

Was a bulletin found that addresses the symptom?

Go to Step 13 Go to Step 3
3 Was visual/physical check performed? Go to Step 4 Go to Visual /Physical check in Symptoms
4
  1. Check PCM grounds for being clean, tight and proper routing. Refer to PCM Power and Ground Check .
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 5
5 Observe Long Term FT on the scan tool. Is Long Term FT significantly in the negative range (Rich condition)? Go to Step 6 Go to Step 7
6
  1. Check items that can cause the engine to run rich.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 9
7 Is Long Term FT significantly in the positive range (Lean condition)? Go to Step 8 Go to Step 9
8
  1. Check items that can cause the engine to run lean.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 9
9
  1. Check for incorrect idle speed. Ensure that the following conditions are present:
    • Engine fully warm.
    • Accessories OFF.
  2. Using a scan tool, monitor IAC position.

Is IAC position within the specified values?

5 to 50 counts Go to Step 11 Go to Step 10
10
  1. Visually/physically inspect for the following conditions:
    • Throttle body tampering (Adjustment screw plug removed).
    • Restricted air intake system. Check for a possible collapsed air intake duct, restricted air filter element, or foreign objects blocking the air intake system.
    • Throttle body. Check for objects blocking the IAC passage or throttle bore, excessive deposits in the IAC passage and on the IAC pintle, and excessive deposits in the throttle bore and on the throttle plate.
    • Large vacuum leak. Check for a condition that causes a large vacuum leak, such as a incorrectly installed or faulty crankcase ventilation valve or brake booster hose disconnected.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 8
11 Check the injector connections. If any of the injector connectors are connected to an incorrect cylinder, correct as necessary. Was a problem found? Go to Step 24 Go to Step 12
12
  1. Perform the Fuel Injector Coil Test – Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) .
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 13
13
  1. Check for fuel in pressure regulator vacuum hose.
  2. If fuel is present, replace the fuel pressure regulator assembly.
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 14
14
  1. Check for proper ignition coil output voltage with spark tester J 26792 (ST 125):
    1. Clip the spark tester J 26792 to engine ground.
    2. Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester J 26792; connect the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested.
    3. Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower; connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground.
    4. Crank the engine while observing the spark tester J 26792; a crisp blue spark should be observed.
    5. Repeat the above steps for each coil.
  2. If adequate spark is not present at all coils, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 15
15

Important

If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

  1. Remove spark plugs, check for wet plugs, cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or heavy deposits.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 16
16
  1. Check for loose ignition control module ground.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 17
17
  1. Check ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 18
18 Using a Scan Tool, monitor TP angle with the engine idling. Is TP angle at the specified value and steady? 0% Go to Step 19 Go to DTC P0123 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit High Voltage for further diagnosis
19
  1. Check crankcase ventilation valve for proper operation.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 20
20
  1. Check Transaxle Range switch circuits; use a scan tool and be sure the scan tool indicates that the vehicle is in drive with gear selector in drive or overdrive.
  2. If a problem is found, diagnose and repair Transaxle Range switch as necessary. Refer to Shift Lever Indicates Wrong Gear in Automatic Transaxle.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 21
21
  1. Check the following engine mechanical items. Refer to Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures:
    • Check compression.
    • Sticking or leaking valves.
    • Worn camshaft lobe(s).
    • Valve timing.
    • Bent push rods.
    • Worn rocker arms.
    • Broken valve springs.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 22
22
  1. Check for faulty engine mount. Go to Engine Mount Inspection Engine Mechanical for inspection of mounts.
  2. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to Step 23
23
  1. Review all diagnostic procedures within this table.
  2. If all procedures have been completed and no malfunctions have been found, review/inspect the following:
    • Visual/physical inspection.
    • Scan Tool data.
    • Freeze Frame data/Failure Records Data.
    • All electrical connections within a suspected circuit and/or system.
  3. If a problem is found, repair as necessary.

Was a problem found?

Go to Step 24 Go to the A Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
24 Operate the vehicle to duplicate conditions present when the original symptom was noted. Is symptom still present? Go to Step 3 Repair complete.

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