Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling. Oldsmobile Shelby Series 1 1999

For 1990-2009 cars

Checks | Action
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DEFINITION: The engine runs unevenly at idle. If severe, the engine or the vehicle may shake. Engine idle speed may vary in RPM. Either condition may be severe enough to stall the engine.

Preliminary Checks

• | Refer to Important Preliminary Checks Before Starting in Symptoms .

• | Search for bulletins.

• | Inspect the PCM grounds for being clean, tight and in the proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .

• | Remove and inspect the air filter element for dirt, or for being restricted. Refer to Air Filter Element Service . Replace as necessary.

Fuel System

• | Test the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) .

• | Test for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) .

• | Test for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) .

• | Test for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

• | Inspect that each injector harness is connected to the correct injector or cylinder according to the firing order. Relocate the injector harnesses as necessary.

• | Inspect for items which can cause an engine to run rich. For a rich condition, refer to DTC P0132 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1 and DTC P0152 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1 .

• | Inspect for items that can cause an engine to run lean. For a lean condition, refer to DTC P0131 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1 and DTC P0151 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1 .

Sensor/System

• | Test the crankcase ventilation valve for proper operation. Place a finger over the inlet hole of the valve end several times. The valve should snap back. If not, replace the valve.

• | Use a scan tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity. Refer to Knock Sensor (KS) System Description .

Ignition System

• | Test for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 spark tester. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis for the proper procedure.

• | Remove the spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions:

- | Correct heat range

- | Wet plugs

- | Cracks

- | Wear

- | Improper gap

- | Burned electrodes

- | Heavy deposits

• | An improper spark plug gap causes a driveability concern. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool.

• | Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs if the spark plugs are gas, coolant or oil fouled. Refer to DTC P0172 Fuel Trim System Rich Bank 1 or DTC P0175 Fuel Trim System Rich Bank 2 for diagnosis of the rich condition. Refer to Spark Plug Visual Diagnosis for diagnosis of coolant or oil fouled spark plugs.

• | Visually and physically inspect the secondary ignition for the following:

- | Ignition wires arcing to ground

- | Ignition wires for proper routing

- | Ignition coils for cracks or carbon tracking

• | Wet down the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Wetting down the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply water.

• | Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .

Engine Mechanical

• | Inspect engine mechanical for the following:

- | Test compression

- | Sticking or leaking valves

- | Worn camshaft lobes

- | Valve timing

- | Bent push rods

- | Worn rocker arms

- | Broken valve springs

- | Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals

• | For incorrect basic engine parts, inspect the following:

- | Camshaft

- | Cylinder heads

- | Pistons, etc.

Additional Checks

• | Inspect the following exhaust system components for possible restrictions:

- | The exhaust system for physical damage

- | The exhaust manifold for a collapsed inner wall

- | The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure

- | The three-way catalytic converters (TWC) for possible plugged pipes by comparing the exhaust system back pressure on each side of engine

• | Electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the reference circuit can cause an engine miss condition. A scan tool can usually detect EMI by monitoring the engine RPM. A sudden increase in RPM with little change in actual engine RPM change indicates that EMI is present. If a problem exists, inspect for high voltage components near ignition control circuits.

• | Inspect for faulty engine mounts.

• | Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.