Hello Everyone! I have a 1998 Cavalier Z24 2.4L
My question is about the way it idles. It has done this since i brought it (3 years ago) and the guy i brought it off of stated that it also idled this way for him. Basically, sometimes when i start the car at first it sounds good and idles fine... but then it you watch the rpms it goes up and down really bad and you can hear it, it sounds like it is going to stall. This is not all the time though it could be warm outside or cold doesnt matter... some days it acts this way and other days it just starts right up. The only way i know how to get it to stop is by giving it some gas a few times and then wait until it starts idling normal. If i do try to pull out it sputters and almost stalls out until i put the pedal to the floor (not good) and even that way it can stall and it takes it awhile to actually go (it hesitates). I do not know what is wrong with my sweet cavy... I have been dealing with this problem for a few years now.. i Hate it because it makes me look like i cant drive stick.. its embarrassing.
I know i could take it to a dealer or a good mechanic... but i know they are just going to start replacing things... Due to the fact the the engine light does not come on. I have heard from a few people that have the same problem.. but no one seems to know what it is.. I have replaced a few sensors but it didnt seem to help.
If anyone knows PLEASE TELL ME!!! Thanks for your help.
SWEETCAVY98
I just bought my cavalier z24 about 2 weeks ago, its also a 1998, it does the exact same thing your cavi does, Except my cavalier does it all the time no matter the weather,and just yesterday it got really bad. I think it might be the O2 sensor because if that takes a dump it would definetly affect idle. Im taking my car into the shop next wednesday because now the check engine light is on too. Ill let you know what the problem is when i get it back. Also, how many miles are on your car because mine has 106,000
My cavalier has 122,000 miles but it acted this way when i first got it and it only had 72,000 miles. The guy i brought it from stated it also did that for him. So i am not sure exactly when it started. But hey if that fixes your problem Please let me know. I would really appreicate it! Thanks!
But if it would be a sensor i would think the engine light would come on??? Am i wrong?
^^Correct, the CEL should come on with any problems with the 02. My car used to do this, but has stopped in the last several months(of course until I go out to start it today, now that I say this). I've recently put in the HO manifold and swapped out the TB and I think it stopped sometime around then. I rearranged all the vacuum tubing during this, so maybe it has somthing to do with that. I took out the HO and put the S/C in and it still hasnt done done it yet 4 weeks later. Any how I'd check all the Vac hoses and O2 connections. Good Luck!
Well i dont wanna play the guessing game but i have no choice i guess... So i am going to replace the TBS, IAT, and MAP sensor and see what happens... Hopefully it works... but i doubt it..
I dunno if it matters but i just filled my car w/ either 87 or 89 octane and its smoothed out the idle alot. It doesnt drop off and seem like its goona stall anymore. Either that or its the weather. I dunno.
I usually try to use the middle grade unless gas price goes up then i use cheap stuff but use middle grade like every other time i fill up. I do not understand it though..... Most of the people that i talked to with this idle problem have 1998 z24... i have started to wondering if there wasnt something wrong with computer from that year...
Well this weekend i replaced the IAT, MAP, & TPS.... well that was a waste of $109.00 GRR.... still idles like @!#$... anyone have any ideas????
Dont use anything other than an AC Delco O2 Sensor, thats the same issue i had, buy one from a dealer or GM Parts Direct, it'll fix the issue right up.
Really.. you have a 2.4? And it acted the same way? Did your check engine light come on? Cuz my didnt....How much is that sensor?
Crap Gas = Crappy everything else. I will never use 87 ever again unless im really desperate
Well i started using the higher octane gas... still idles like @!#$... anymore ideas???
