Question on buying a Festiva. Idle issues

[ct70]

I found a 1993 fuel injected Festiva (190k miles) today that I am interested in. When you start it it will idle fine and within about 5 minutes it acts like it wants to stall. He thinks its the o2 sensor (which it could be), but the check engine light doesnt come on. Every other car I know the CEL comes on for a bad o2 sensor.

Would you think the o2 sensor could be the issue? When its trying to stall you can give it gas and it will pick up again and idle okay for a few minutes and then act like it wants to stall. He says that when your hit about 25mph it starts to get sluggish.

Another issue is that the rear hatch doesnt latch shut anymore. Is this common? Does the latch just freeze up and not lock after awhile?

Thanks for the help.

[zoom zoom]

Just throwing it out there, probably way off base too, but check out your pcv valve and make sure its not cracked and that its working right (jingles when u shake it)

[ct70]

Just throwing it out there, probably way off base too, but check out your pcv valve and make sure its not cracked and that its working right (jingles when u shake it)

Thats a good suggestion. I will keep it in mind

[FestYboy]

also look at the base idle screw and make sure it's not all the way down.

[georgeb]

also look at the base idle screw and make sure it's not all the way down.

It's under a black rubber plug on the throttle body unless it's missing.

[FeistyFesti]

With 190k on the clock, could easily be a sticking VAF door or worn TPS sensor.

[WmWatt]

The O2 sensor needs to warm up before it starts working and the computer kicks in to regulate the engine for environmental optimization. Sounds like your problems could be related to environmental sensors.

[DriverOne]

With 190k on the clock, could easily be a sticking VAF door or worn TPS sensor.

I believe that's the key right there. I'd still go out and get a PCV valve, though.