running problem

[mattswabb]

I put a thermostat in it right before it started acting up and i cracked the coolant temp sensor but the gauge still works and i've never seen a temp sensor cause a running problem.

Have you tried a new sensor? That sensor controls the fan and also sends a signal to the ECU thru the fan relay to tell that the car is hot or cold. This will affect how it runs. If it is actually warm and the ecu thinks its cold then the fuel map is different.

I had an ignition switch problem that affected the fan relay and the fan would come on from time to time and the car would stall.

I'd look into this.

[jglutz]

Just an additional thought....thou all of the previous are really good.

If the hood up/down changes idle...I wonder if one of the air intake ducts (including the IAC hoses if this car has one, not sure) If the intake air ducts or hoses have a leak...the engine will pick up more air than that measured by the VAF and thus processed by the ECA. This will cause irratic idel problem and the lobing (drop out-race up) as described.

I think I would also check all of the air/intake ducts/doses for secure connections and/or cracks.

Just a thought...won't take more than a few minutes.

[zrice88]

turns out i broke the cooling fan switch and i did get a new one but it didn't fix the problem. had her running good then went through a big puddle and it died and wouldn't start again. Distributor cap is not wet inside!!!
the sensors on the tranny (5-speed). what are they?
something got wet and killed it but i can't figure out what