I have a 1991 Chevrolet lumina, my problem is after I stop it then press the gas it dies, driving down the road it stalls some. The idle is really rough. There aren't any service lights that come on.

Asked by Melissa Mar 16, 2015 at 03:35 PM

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

4 Answers

102,575

What you need to do is buy some throttle body cleaner. Then remove your throttle body. Tear it down and clean it. Take off your Idle Air Control valve and clean it also. Here is a how to video. Not your make and model but same idea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMa0nom1iwc This may cure your issues or it may not. This only will cost you about $8 for the cleaner and all you need is the time. This is what I usually have people do first before they start throwing money into parts that they may not need. Most of the time the cars poor idle is due to just a dirty throttle body and IAC valve. This is the cheapest fix. If no improvement, post back.

30,130

Melissa, also check for vacuum leaks. dirty pcv valve too. if you have the 3.1 the pcv is on the back valve cover, booger to get to. you should also scan the computer for codes. there can be a stored code whether yu have a check engine light or not. there are good youtube vids on how to do it, it is easy. all yu need is a paper clip. If you look under the dash below the steering column there is a diagnostic port there. looks like a plug with nothing in it about 2 inches wide. straighten your paper clip and bend it in to a U shape. poke it into the top right hand holes in the plug hole. Turn the key to the On position DONT START THE CAR. key in on position and the check engine light will flash. it will flash 12 3 times and then if there are any codes stored it will flash them 3 times. there could be more than one code so write down the numbers. when it is done it will go back to flashing 12 again. turn off the key and remove the paper clip. You can post the codes here and we will help, or you can look them up online. type GM OBD1 engine codes into your search bar and you will get the codes. I had this happen recently and it was a code 22. throttle position sensor. Just an example. if my explanation on reading the computer codes was a little foggy, there are several youtube vids on how to read gm obd1 cars. good luck, Mike.

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