1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Crazy idle on 97 Cutlass

KERRIE

MEMBER
1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
89,000 MILES

My 97 cutlass started to idle at 1500 to 2000 rpm. It doesn't do it all the time and you never know when its going to do it. Sometimes shutting off the car and restarting fixes it, but sometimes its idling at its normal 500-700 rmp then it will jump to 1500. The shop has cleaned out the fuel injectors, etc. But its still happening. I'm ready to sell a car I really can't afford to replace right now, because the 1500 rpm idle will make driving in Wisconsin's snowy winters a nightmare.

Any ideas?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Has the check engine light come on? Have you checked for vacuum leaks? Has the idle air control valve or throttle position sensor been checked?

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Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 AT 1:28 PM

KERRIE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

It took forever to figure out what was causing the problem, they kept fixing little things and I was spending $100 every week in the rule out game. Turns out it was the intake manifold gasket and the idle control valve and it started to send the transmission off the deep end. Repairs more than the car was worth. I sold it to a friend who restores cars, now he has a project for the winter.

Thanks for your answer though, I was pulling my hair out!

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Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 AT 8:03 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

I had a feeling it had to do with a vacuum leak and the TPS or IAC. Regardless, I'm glad you got it fixed. I wish I could have worked further with you. I hate the hit and miss repair jobs.

Take care, let us know if you have questions, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe

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Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 AT 9:12 PM

KERRIE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I forgot to tell you that the check engine light was on for nearly a year. The dealer repair people told me that it was a "sensor" and wanted $900 to replace it, but I could keep driving it, but I would need to invest the $900 for the "sensor" sooner or later. I'm sure their misinformation led me down the wrong path that caused all these problems. That same place also replaced the intake manifold gasket at 60K and it failed again at 89K. No more dealer repairs for me. I will stop here with questions again.

Thanks a bunch!

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Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 AT 10:37 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Wow! I can't think of any sensor that cost 900.00. Let us know when you have problems. THere are many great mechanics here to help answer your questions.

Again, take care and thanks for using 2carpros. Com

Joe