Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspections	Action
DEFINITION: Engine runs unevenly at idle. If severe, the engine or vehicle may shake. Engine idle speed may vary in RPM. Either condition may be severe enough to stall the engine.
Preliminary Inspections	Refer to Important Preliminary Inspections Before Starting in Symptoms - Engine Controls . Search for bulletins. Verify that the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds are clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views in Wiring Systems and Engine Controls Schematics . Remove and inspect the air filter element for dirt or for restrictions. Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement . Replace as necessary.
Fuel System	Inspect the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Coil Test , Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool or Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 . Inspect for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for a restricted fuel filter. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (without Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (with Special Tool) . Inspect that each fuel injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder. Relocate fuel injector harnesses as necessary. Inspect for the following that may cause the engine to run rich: NOTE: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in Cautions and Notices. Water intrusion in the HO2S connector Engine oil contaminated by fuel An EVAP canister purge condition Incorrect fuel pressure-Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . A leaking fuel pressure regulator-Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Leaking fuel injectors-Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . An inaccurate manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor An inaccurate mass air flow (MAF) sensor Blockage on the inlet screen of the MAF sensor Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected An air intake duct that is collapsed or restricted An air filter that is dirty or restricted-Refer to Air Cleaner Element Replacement . Inspect for the following conditions that may cause the engine to run lean: NOTE: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice in Cautions and Notices. Water intrusion in the HO2S connector An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine-Refer to Exhaust Leakage in Engine Exhaust. Vacuum leaks Incorrect fuel pressure-Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Restricted fuel injectors-Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool or Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2 . An inaccurate MAP sensor An inaccurate MAF sensor Fuel contamination-Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (without Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (with Special Tool) . Vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected-Refer to Emission Hose Routing Diagram .
Sensor/System	Inspect 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. Refer to Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Replacement (LS1 Engine) or Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve Replacement (LS6 Engine) in Engine Mechanical. Use a scan tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity.
Ignition System	Inspect for proper ignition voltage output with the J 26792 Spark Tester. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis for procedure. Remove spark plugs and check for the following: Wet plugs Cracks Wear Improper gap Burned electrodes Heavy deposits Refer to Spark Plug Inspection . An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability problem. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection . Gap the spark plugs using a wire gauge gap tool. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement . Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs. Visually and physically inspect secondary ignition for the following: Ignition wires arcing to ground Ignition wires for proper routing Soak the secondary ignition system with water from a spray bottle. Soaking the secondary ignition system may help locate damaged or deteriorated components. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring as you apply water. Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the misfire occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to DTC P0300 . Inspect for loose ignition coil grounds. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis .
Engine Mechanical	Inspect engine mechanical for the following: Compression-Refer to Engine Compression Test in Engine Mechanical. Sticking or leaking valves Worn camshaft lobes Valve timing Bent push rods Worn rocker arms Broken valve springs Excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals. Refer to Oil Consumption Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical. For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following: The camshaft-Refer to Crankshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. The cylinder heads-Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. The pistons, etc.-Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures.
Additional Inspections	Inspect the exhaust system for possible restrictions. Inspect for the following: Inspect the exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes. Inspect the mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure. Inspect for possible plugged catalytic converters. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust. 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 routing of secondary ignition wires or high voltage components near the ignition control circuits. Inspect the park neutral position (PNP) switch circuit. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Adjustment Inspect for faulty motor mounts. Refer to Engine Mount Inspection in Engine Mechanical. Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash. Refer to Intake Manifold Cleaning and Inspection or Exhaust Manifold Cleaning and Inspection in Engine Mechanical.