Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt. 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. Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) grounds for being clean, tight, and in the proper locations. Refer to Power and Grounding Component Views . 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 Diagnosis (w/J39021 or w/Tech 2) or Fuel Injector Diagnosis (w/CH47976) . Inspect for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Inspect for a contaminated fuel condition. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (w/o Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (w/Special Tool) . Inspect that each fuel injector harness is connected to the correct injector/cylinder. Relocate fuel injector harnesses, as necessary.
Sensor/System	Inspect for the following that may cause the engine to run rich: NOTE: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice . Any water intrusion in the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) connector The engine oil contaminated by fuel An evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge condition Incorrect fuel pressure-Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Any leaking fuel injectors-Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Any 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 Engine Controls Schematics . Inspect for the following conditions that may cause the engine to run lean: NOTE: Refer to Heated Oxygen and Oxygen Sensor Notice Any water intrusion in the HO2S connector An exhaust leak between the HO2S and the engine-Refer to Exhaust Leakage . Any vacuum leaks Incorrect fuel pressure-Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis . Any restricted fuel injectors-Refer to Fuel Injector Diagnosis (w/J39021 or w/Tech 2) or Fuel Injector Diagnosis (w/CH47976) . Fuel contamination-Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (w/o Special Tool) or Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis (w/Special Tool) . Any vacuum hoses that are split, kinked, or improperly connected Inspect for the following conditions which cause an incorrect idle speed: Any throttle body tampering, excessive deposits, or damage A restricted air intake system A large vacuum leak Inspect the crankcase ventilation system for proper operation. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis . Use a scan tool in order to monitor the knock sensor (KS) system for excessive spark retard activity.
Ignition System	In order to properly inspect the spark plugs or to correct a condition, refer to the following procedures: Ignition System Specifications Spark Plug Inspection Spark Plug Replacement Remove spark plugs and inspect for the following conditions: Correct heat range Wet plugs Cracks Wear Improper gap Burned electrodes Heavy deposits Verify that the spark plugs are of the correct type. Inspect for proper ignition system output. Refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis . An improper spark plug gap will cause a driveability condition. Gap the spark plugs using a wire gage gap tool. Determine the cause of the fouling before replacing the spark plugs. Inspect for damaged or misaligned spark plug boots. Inspect the electronic ignition (EI ) module for proper ground connection. Monitor the Misfire Current Counters while driving the vehicle in the conditions that the symptom occurred. If a misfiring cylinder can be located, use the DTC P0300 table for diagnosis. Refer to DTC P0300 .
Engine Mechanical	Inspect engine mechanical for the following conditions: Compression Sticking or leaking valves Worn camshaft lobes Valve timing Worn rocker arms Broken valve springs Excessive oil in combustion chamber or leaking valve seals. For more information, refer to one or more of the following procedures: Engine Compression Test Symptoms - Engine Mechanical Oil Consumption Diagnosis For incorrect basic engine parts, inspect the following components: The camshaft-Refer to Camshaft Cleaning and Inspection . The cylinder heads-Refer to Cylinder Head Cleaning and Inspection . The pistons, etc.-Refer to Piston, Connecting Rod, and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection . Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical for diagnosis procedures. Inspect for excessive crankshaft endplay that will cause the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor reluctor wheel to move out of alignment with the CKP sensor. Refer to Crankshaft and Bearings Cleaning and Inspection . This could result in any of the following conditions: A no start A start and stall Erratic performance
Additional Inspections	Inspect the exhaust system for following possible restrictions: The exhaust system for damaged or collapsed pipes The mufflers for heat distress or possible internal failure The catalytic converters for being plugged-Refer to Restricted 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 for faulty motor mounts. Inspect the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold passages for casting flash.