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My engine stalls at idle why?

Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 2001 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 170,000 MILES
My jeep won't not idle unless you started it up with you foot on the gas I change the battery because it was always dead when you let it sit over night and now it won't start you hear it want to turn over but it doent all the way I don't know what to do.
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 5:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
Go out and drive it. The Engine Computer lost its memory and has to relearn "minimum throttle" before it will know when it must be in control of idle speed. It also might not give you the normal "idle flare-up" to 1500 rpm when you start the engine. 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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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 5:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
05AQUAMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I took a round trip of about 334 miles with a 15 hour break. In the middle stopped 3 times on return trip, on second stop noticed the check engine light was on though I could detect nothing wrong vehicle started and ran fine. This morning after vehicle sat for 7 hours went to start, it fired right up upon releasing the key RPM's immediately dropped and vehicle shut off, several attempts, same result, though I can keep my foot on accelerator pedal and keep motor running, also noticed check motor light now off. Also all fluid levels good. Any ideas? Any help greatly appreciated.
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 5:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

I would start by cleaning the throttle body as it controls your base idle.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Can you have codes read at a parts store? It is a free service. Those codes could be a clue as to the failure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Roy
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 5:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
05AQUAMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Someone said you can turn a Jeep's key forward and back 3 times and get a code on the odometer?
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 5:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Yes, if you cycle the key 3 times, it will put it in a diagnostic mode.

There will be 2 number codes based on the number of flashes for the light.

Roy
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+1
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 5:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DADDYCOOL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,589 MILES
Will not idle when engine is cold
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 5:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
You may have a bad IAC ( idle air control) but try cleaning the throttle body first. Remove the intake snorkel, have someone hold the throttle wide open for you and scrub the back side of the throttle plate and surrounding bore with an old tooth brush and some carb cleaner. Be sure to spray some into the small holes next to the throttle plate. That should help stabilize the idle. If it still has a problem, replace the IAC.
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 5:04 PM (Merged)

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