Car mechanics please help

[Justyntym]

My daugter's Mitsubishi Galant (1997) out of the blue today just wont idle, it dies. Thing runs fine, I can even drive with two feet and as long as I force idle it at 1000 or above...no problems. Drives fine, accelerates fine...as soon as I let off the gas at a light, and the rpm goes it idle (1000) it stalls.

Fuel filter? Idle adjustment somewhere? Ideas...

 

[tinmann840]

Why not jus adjust the Idle speed . A couple turns of a screw and your thru .

 

[Red05]

I'm not sure but I don't think that engine has an idle adjust screw on it. Perhaps the idle air valve has gone south? You might try unplugging it and plugging it back in with the key on and see if it cycles...it should have a solenoid that you can hear or feel moving if you put your finger on it. They normally unscrew from the throttle body and you can remove it and see if the plunger is moving. I'm sorry but I'm not familiar with Mitsubishis; I'm just going by experience with other imports from the late 90's.

 

[StuckInBaghdad]

I'm not sure but I don't think that engine has an idle adjust screw on it. Perhaps the idle air valve has gone south? You might try unplugging it and plugging it back in with the key on and see if it cycles...it should have a solenoid that you can hear or feel moving if you put your finger on it. They normally unscrew from the throttle body and you can remove it and see if the plunger is moving. I'm sorry but I'm not familiar with Mitsubishis; I'm just going by experience with other imports from the late 90's.

+1

 

[Justyntym]

sounds like a plan, I'll give it a try thanks.
And I think your right on the idle screw, not having one (that would be perfect and do it if it did)

That's my project for tomorrow, the sooner I can fix the darn thing...the more time me Celine will have togather.



Celine - I love underworld, something about a hot chick in shiny black with guns

she gots some new black on black Pazzos waiting for her tomorrow as well.

Anybody else have any thoughts in case this doesn't pan out, anything will be appreciated.

Thanks guys.



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[nitrousjunkie]

Is the check engine light on? TPS,IAT sensor,can be anythingh really. You need to scan it to see whats going on.

 

[CAT3]

It should be a sensor from your description. And IF there was an idle adjustment screw, you'd only be putting a bandaid on where a prosthetic needs to be. IAC (Idle Air Control solenoid), as described above very likely is the culprit. Next I would guess the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) usually will either not hold idle, or will idle around 2000+rpms when they go bad. Both are located on the Throttle Body, most likely using a torx bit type screw to hold in place. The IAC can be checked for plunger movement, and if there is excessive carbon buildup, I would recommend spraying it down with Carb Cleaner before having to replace, as well, use a rag to clean the IAC orfice. TPS is either good or bad, no cleaning to it. A super filthy air filter can cause idle dieing issues, as well as O2 Sensors. GL hope you get it fixed.

 

[tinmann840]

I guess I've been dealing with Holley's and Quadrojets too long . I forget todays tech is different.

 

[BusaSamurai]

Take it to your local advance auto and get them to put a code reader on it . You might not believe it but all possible cures above could work including crank sensor cam sensor oxygen sensor best to pull codes so at least you have an idea where to start..Could also be fuel pump going out not giving enough pressure .You can pull a pressure check with a fuel pressure guage .I would start with codes and look for a shop manual online so you can follow the codes . Yes i know pain in the arse but belive me you will save money if start with the codes ...



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[BusaSamurai]

Try this link this will help you with it ..Wont Idle

 

[psycobusa]

buy her a new one...that solves the problem everytime

 

[Justyntym]

OMG...this thing looks pretty serious.

I was thinking a little elbow grease and maybe $20 for a fuel filter...shid.

 

[300Busa]

Could be the O2 sensor. Did you try unhooking the battery for an hour and letting the computer reset?

 

[yamahor]

Okay, I had a similar problem with my old Avenger... Mitsu engine. The PCV Valve was shot... I learned you can get a can of SEAFOAM from Advance Auto (Or some other parts store) and pour it into a direct vaccum to the intake manifold. Make sure to have someone inside on the gas so as not to stall the engine. It will smoke like craz for a while, but once done, it cleans out all the carbon in the engine, and on anything exhaust gas goes through. Make sure it's regular SEAFOAM, NOT the trans stuff. Try that, cause to me, it sounds like my problem.

 

[chrisr]

You need to check the idle air control,its probably junk.. you can try cleaning it out with carb cleaner. Good Luck

 

[Big Tuna]

Okay, I had a similar problem with my old Avenger... Mitsu engine. The PCV Valve was shot... I learned you can get a can of SEAFOAM from Advance Auto (Or some other parts store) and pour it into a direct vaccum to the intake manifold. Make sure to have someone inside on the gas so as not to stall the engine. It will smoke like craz for a while, but once done, it cleans out all the carbon in the engine, and on anything exhaust gas goes through. Make sure it's regular SEAFOAM, NOT the trans stuff. Try that, cause to me, it sounds like my problem.

Seafoam is the shid.......I use the large vacuum line going to the brake master cylinder. I use a half a can and let it stall the engine....wait 15 minutes and crank back up.....when smoke clears let it suck the rest of the can without stalling.....then hammer it down the road like James bond.

http://www.seafoamsales.com/



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[Projekt]

Keep it simple. Pull the codes. Be systematic and one by one eliminate the faults indicated by the codes. It will be a simple fix once you troubleshoot it properly. Buy the haynes manual and use it. Sounds like a TPS fault or AIC. Do not let everyone's suggestions lead you on a wild goose chase. If you keep the engine running by throttling it then that will eliminate the possibility of a faulty fuel pump so just scratch that one off the list. Does that car have coil on plug (EDIS) or does it have a conventional distributor? Routine maintenance would have saved you this trouble because a systems check could have pointed to the impending fault. Good luck, you'll learn something during the repair operations so that is a benefit.

 

[300Busa]

Here is a video of sea foam in action. Kind of scary looking.