Q: Car won't maintain an idle.

asked by on February 13, 2017

Car ran out of gas change fuel filter change battery in remote backfires intermittently when starts check fuel up to fuel rail anti-theft device maybe not working

My car has 189000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Idle Control Valve Replacement $162.54 - $1028.01 Get a Quote

Hi there. Try turning on the ignition to the ’ON’ position 3 times with 30 seconds each time to see if the fuel system had air in the rail. This will help with the air in the system. When starting, hold the pedal on the floor, but just above the floor and crank the engine until the engine starts. For the idle not holding, either there is air in the fuel system or the idle air control valve is plugged up. If you need further assistance with your engine idle condition, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Lights come up on the dash all the time
These systems do work in tandem with each other but are two separate systems that would both need to be checked for problems. Contact YourMechanic to test and diagnose both lights coming on (https://www.yourmechanic.com/book/?mktg_jid=321) to see if from a common...
How do I add a new phone number to the hands-free system?
In order to use the hands-free system in your car to the fullest, you’ll want to add phone numbers so you don’t have to dial them manually. You can do this in two ways – by importing a phonebook from...
Possible starter replacement.
If the starter needed replacement the symptoms you would have would be that all the lights and electrical functions of the vehicle would still work correctly and when you tried to start the engine your'd hear only a slight click...
My wife's car is jerking while switching gears, and got codes P0700 and P0765 from check engine light
Based on those fault codes, there is a faulty shift solenoid. The lack of acceleration is probably due to the transmission going into a failsafe mode. You may want to get a mechanic to look at the transmission to prevent...
Replaced engine new engine isnt running right.
From what you're described, it sounds like you have two different engine and harness problems. You may also have a problem with the new engine ignition not being compatible with the other engine. In order to get the car working...
New wiper motor not working.
The most likely cause of this is seizing wiper linkage/transmission. This is the part that the wiper motor attaches to, and actually relays the wiper motor motion into movement of the wipers. This problem is very common for VW's. You...
I replaced the water pump but all the coolant leaked out - 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
If there was no leak prior to the water pump replacement, it is possible that the gasket sealing area between the water pump and the engine block has a leak. This is easy to find if you refill the system...
Parking brake dash light doesn't come on when using the actual parking brake so I failed inspection. I don't know if it's the bulb or parking brake.
Hello. The dash light not illuminating when the brake is applied is very likely a wiring issue. If you are knowledgeable with a voltmeter, you can pull a wiring diagram of the circuit and trace the issue. This is done...
Brake pedal touches floorboard
You are going to have to have the brakes completely inspected for leaks. You most likely have a leak from somewhere if the fluid was low. Once leak is located then check all pads and rotors for need to replace...

Related articles

What Does the Mass Airflow Sensor Do?
How How often does the mass airflow sensor need to be replaced? Mass airflow sensors (MAF) have no expiration date. They are not included on the manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance list of things to replace based on mileage, like spark plugs...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Love Road Trips
If If you love to travel, comfort is very important in a vehicle. You want a nice, quiet ride, comfortable seating, and enough room. We have evaluated several used vehicles, and narrowed our favorite road trip vehicles down to the...
How to Keep Your Car From Stalling
When When driving a car, we expect it to get us from point A to point B without any issues. It can become unnerving to drive if your car stalls randomly when coming to a stop, whether it is at...