Idle is racing up and down

2002CHEVYVENTURE

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET VENTURE
65,000 MILES

Car is running fine then all of a sudden, when idling, idle idle either goes up and down. Also had a hard time going up small inclines. My 2002 venture suddenly wont go up or is hard to ascend even on small inclines. The idle also is kinda funny since it goes up and down frequently causing the check engine sign to blink. When the idle starts to dance up and down the car wont go even if you press on the accelerator. What seems to be the problem?

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.