High RPM's while in idle

Tiny
HOLLY MACK
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 3.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,666 MILES
I have had my car for about three years and once in awhile when I start it, the RPM's fly up between 1,500-2,000 and it surges when I take off. Without pressing on anything, it will go up to 40 mph. Not sure what I have to do to fix this problem. I have been doing some research on the question because it looks like its decently common but no one has come back to say what fixed it.
Monday, August 20th, 2018 AT 8:30 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,475 POSTS
The most common cause for this type of condition are vacuum leaks. They can be open leaks like a bad rubber/plastic line or hidden ones like the intake gaskets or inside the brake booster. If outside temperature does not seem to matter in when it occurs I would go over all of the vacuum lines looking for cracks/damaged fittings or other damage. The heat and atmosphere under the hood will deteriorate the lines and elbows and they get dried and start to crumble and they will leak. Also check the air duct between the throttle body and the MAF sensor. They can crack and cause issues.

If the condition is worse on cold days and seems to go away as the engine gets up to temperature I would look at the upper intake manifold gaskets. You can test for a leak by using some starting spray when you start the engine after it has cooled off. Just start it, then quickly spray at the area between the upper intake and the lower. If it suddenly revs up you have a leak. The images show where the upper intake gaskets are. If you are going to do the upper intakes, you will be well served to do the lower intake gaskets as well as you will have everything out of the way.
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Monday, August 20th, 2018 AT 9:44 AM

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