Car runs ok above 2k rpm , but. . . .

[Nihilist]

When I pull up to a light or stop sign, the idle drops REAL low, engine runs rougher than usual and then the engine dies. If I give it a lil gas and keep it idling at about 1k, it's alright.

Let me back up a minute. . .

I've owned the car about 1 1/2 months. Auto, 101k miles.Has always had a rough idle. Tonight after a drive on the highway (between 55-65 tops, mostly around 55-60mph) , this started happening .

I've changed the plugs (which were O L D ) , changed oil (it burns alot of oil) , air filter , cap/rotor. A bottle of Sea Foam in the fuel tank once, Sea Foamed the oil once. yada yada yada.

On the highway , or any main road, the engine seems fine. Once up to any speed , the engine seems ok. I practically have to neutral drop it to get it to leave a stop , though. Even then , it D O G S it's way up to 2-3k rpm , at which point it drives fine.


I haven't had a chance to check anything out. Gonna go to bed and I'll take a gander after work tomorrow.

I was guessing it might be either the IAC is plugged up , or the EGR is stuck open .

Any ideas ? Your help will be appreciated !


..............................Blake

[drof 89]

Have you checked the idle rpm? Maybe its set to low. Have you changed the fuel filter? What year is the car?

[Levitan]

I was thinking faulty catalytic converter, but strickly guessing.

[Ogrestiva]

I have a similar problem. I think it is a vacuum leak, or a short in the electrical system. with mine I notice that it gets worse when I put on more systems (i.e. lights, wipers, radio, heat, engine fan...etc) If you figure out what it is let me know.

On another note...Where in south suburbs? I am about 6 blocks from midway airport, we should get together and compare festivas!

[Nihilist]

Have you checked the idle rpm? Maybe its set to low.

No I haven't, it seems to vary, but WAS somewhat steady between 800-1200rpm

Have you changed the fuel filter?

No

What year is the car?

1990

I was thinking faulty catalytic converter, but strickly guessing

I'm not being a jerk. Are you guessing , or messing with me ? Catalytic converter ?!?

I have a similar problem. I think it is a vacuum leak, or a short in the electrical system. with mine I notice that it gets worse when I put on more systems (i.e. lights, wipers, radio, heat, engine fan...etc) If you figure out what it is let me know.

On another note...Where in south suburbs? I am about 6 blocks from midway airport, we should get together and compare festivas!

I've always thought this car had a vacuum leak. One brief attempt couldn't track it down.

I live in Evergreen Park. About 95th and Pulaski. PM me and we can hook up. I'm not driving the festy after this happened , so a festy comparo might not happen until things get fixed.



Thanks for the help !

........................Blake

[SoCalZ28]

my 90 started doing this tonight when I exited the freeway, im thinking maybe electrical related because for the last two days my left blinker has been erratic. starts blinking slow, and then speeds up, then it stays on for a sec and then fast blink. I thought I was nuts the first time I saw the blinker do this. lol dont laugh

[Unco]

...because for the last two days my left blinker has been erratic. starts blinking slow, and then speeds up, then it stays on for a sec and then fast blink. I thought I was nuts the first time I saw the blinker do this. lol dont laugh

it could just be a faulty globe (on its way out), or dirty terminals where the globe sits, but that discussion probably belongs in a thread of its own.

Nihilist, have you checked the timing and is it OK? i would check that first, then try to set the base idle and go from there. i had idle issues when i first got my Festiva until i realized some fool had set the timing at around 40 degrees BTDC.