Imtermittent idle

BSTRAIN

MEMBER
1991 TOYOTA PICKUP
4 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
247,000 MILES

When at an idle the truck varied between high rpm and idle rpm it does this none stop, even after it is warm. I just had problems with the charging system and ended up replacing the alternator. Could a sensor or relay or something be working only intermitently? It all started when I started it after school and drove a short distance shut it off for a few minutes and tried to start it. I had to jump start it. Headed for home got maybe a mile and it started running rough and wouldn't idle. The battery light and brake light are on. Found the wire from the battery to the fuse box was nearly broken in half, repaired that with new butt connector, cleaned up the battery and terminals, Brought the battery home, charged it, replaced it into the truck and drove home. Nearly 4 miles the truck started running rough. Continued home another 4 miles. Temp here is about 10-20 degrees F. Cahrged battery again drove 1 block and it died. Next day jumped it and drove it home ran fine. Replaced the alternator seemed to be fine until it was warm, then it started the varying high and low rpm thing. Our nearest shop to have the computer codes read is 50 miles away. Any info in this matter is greatly appreciated. Info on how to change and where to find particular sensors etc. Is appreciated also.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Since the issue stems around the idle, the first thing I would recommend checking is the idle air control valve (IAC). It is on the throttle body. When you remove it, it will have a pintil at the end of it that allows air into the engine to maintain idle when the throttle plate closes. When the problem starts, disconnect it to see if there is a change. If no change, remove it and make sure it is clean. Have a helper turn the key from off to on to see if the pintil moves in and out. If that is good, you may have an issue with the charging system. Check the fuseable link between the battery and alt. If it is bad, the alt can't properly charge. Consequently, you end up with electrical issues that can cause this and eventually kill the battery. In addition to cleaning the battery terminals, make sure the ground to the engine block (from the battery) is clean and tight.