Sounds like you have a bad battery or a problem with the charging system. Grab an inexpensive digital voltmeter and measure the battery voltage two times. With the engine off it should measure near 12.6 volts if it is fully charged. If it is closer to 11.0 volts, have it tested for a shorted cell.
When the engine is running, the voltage must be between 13.75 and 14.75 volts. If it is low it is not charging the battery. When the voltage gets drawn down too low when trying to start the engine, or when the battery is disconnected or run dead, the Engine Computer loses its memory. It won't know when to be in control of idle speed until it relearns "minimum throttle". Until then you'll have to hold your foot on the gas pedal to keep it running.
To meet the conditions for the relearn to take place, drive at highway speed with the engine warmed up, then coast for at least seven seconds without touching the brake or gas pedals.
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Thursday, March 3rd, 2011 AT 9:30 PM
