Rough Idle when coming to a stop

Tiny
AMYETTER22
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 166,615 MILES
My SUV has a rough idle when I come up to a stop sign or a light. It only does it intermittently, not all the time. I had all the O2 sensors replaced and it is still doing it. Can you tell me what could possibly be wrong with it still?
Sunday, October 8th, 2017 AT 9:10 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
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Poor fuel quality could cause it. Those engines can be a little picky. It also could just be time for new spark plugs and wires. When was the last time that they were replaced? And what were they replaced with? Anything other than OEM quality stuff in those trucks could be causing that.
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Sunday, October 8th, 2017 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
AMYETTER22
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The plugs and the wires replaced two years ago. I just replace the distributor cap and rotor last week. Spark plugs I do not remember what they were replaced with but the shop said they were okay that did the O2 sensors. With the sensors being replaced it ran fine for two months and then it started acting up again. I have been being told that my intake gasket is leaking oil? And I have to have it replaced but nobody can figure out what is going on with the shaking what I am at at idle. I have had codes p154, p174 and I forgot what the misfire code is.
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Sunday, October 8th, 2017 AT 10:44 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
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Misfire code is probably p300 (random multiple misfire). Very common among all cars.

With a leaking intake gasket, you could be getting a little water into the cylinders, causing the miss, among other things. Also, I would wonder what the plugs are exactly. Just because they look okay does not mean much if they are not strong enough to begin with. Plus if there is water present inn the cylinders, it could be cleaning the plugs, making them look better than they are.

I have more to say, but my toddler just woke up from his nap. I would still say to find out exactly what plugs and wires were used. Low quality ignition system parts can really make your car run like crud. I will get back on here later.
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Sunday, October 8th, 2017 AT 2:33 PM
Tiny
AMYETTER22
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Okay thank you. I am going to change plugs and wires. Let me know what else to do.
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Sunday, October 8th, 2017 AT 2:47 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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You do not necessarily have to change them, yet. Just check them and let us know what they are. If you want, you can take pictures of them and I will look at them on here. Also, get pictures of the contacts in the ends of the wires. And look to see if the wires say 7mm or 8mm on them. It will be in the text on the wires.
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Sunday, October 8th, 2017 AT 6:06 PM
Tiny
AMYETTER22
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Checked plugs they are AC Delco rapid fire & this SUV specifically calls for the iridium plug. I've have been told by numerous people that it does not need the iridium but I can go with double Platinum. This SUV is California equip I don't know if that will make a difference or what. I had a friend of mine get under and look at those O2 sensors and the one that's pre Cadillac converter has oil on the connection that might be giving me some problems too. I would like your opinion thanks.
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Friday, October 13th, 2017 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
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I'd go ahead and change those plugs. If the wires were done 2 years ago, then I wouldn't do them if they look ok (not cracked, exposed, or melting). California cars do have some specific differences that allow them to pass stricter emissions requirements, but I've never heard of them requiring a different plug.

Here's an ebay link to the plugs that are stock (I think). http://www.ebay.com/itm/8X-ac-delco-OE-Spark-Plugs-Chevy-Pickup-tahoe-sub-5-0-5-7-vortec-96-97-98-99-/252808374538?epid=2231691670&hash=item3adc8da90a:g:3FEAAOSwax5YxDir&vxp=mtr

If I was you, I'd get the part number from the listing and call the local Chevy dealer to make sure that these are a fit for the job. Then order them. Much, much cheaper than buying from the dealer or local parts store.

As for the oil leaking onto the O2 sensor wiring, I don't think it's causing an idling issue, but you should either fix the leak or find a way to protect that connector.

Last thing, maybe I asked this before. but I can't find it in the comments. Is the service engine light on? If so, have you had it scanned recently?
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Friday, October 13th, 2017 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
AMYETTER22
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The vehicle's owner manual call 41-993 plugs. And yes the check engine light has come on a few times it says P 154 and p174. When they change my O2 sensors they didn't put one of the wires back where it belonged and apparently I do have an oil leak and it's got inside the connecting part of the O2 sensor. So I think I'm going to have to change that O2 sensor and the plugs and see how it does. So I really don't know where it where I'm going with all this it's kind of a hit and miss.
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Friday, October 13th, 2017 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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Yeah sometimes it can be hit and miss. Just to be certain, P0154 and 174 are pointing to an issue with bank 2, sensor 1. That's the sensor on the exhaust manifold on the passenger side of the engine.

I did a quick google search to make sure I wasn't missing anything, and came up with this article re: P0154. https://www.obd-codes.com/p0154

Read it. In particular, look at the "Causes" section. You'll see that oil or water getting into the connector could be causing an electrical short and causing the code. I'd probably pull the sensor and clean out the connector. Put it back in, and then either fix the oil leak or find a way to protect the connector (maybe put a piece of rubber hose over it or something like that). Then clear the codes and see if it's any better. Go from there.
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Saturday, October 14th, 2017 AT 3:53 AM
Tiny
AMYETTER22
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Okay I took my Tahoe in for a diagnostic test and they could not come up with anything wrong with it. They said there's no intake leak there is no O2 sensors problem there's no plug wire no plugs problem. There wasn't a code for it but with his experience he says it could be the mass airflow sensor but before I do anything else put premium gas in some Lucas and run the crap out of it. What's your thoughts?
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Saturday, October 14th, 2017 AT 1:13 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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I have my doubts, but I suppose it's worth a shot. Get some of the Lucas fuel system treatment and a can Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor cleaner. Here's our how-to guide on that: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mass-air-flow-service

Your truck is going to be little different than that, in that you'll have to open up the air cleaner box and take the sensor out (because the sensor is a section of the tubing going from the air cleaner to the intake, if my memory is correct). Then you simply spray the MAF cleaner in the same direction that the air normally flows (from the air cleaner towards the intake). Then just let it dry out for a while before plugging it back in and putting it back together. A few hours should do it. Whatever you do, do not physically touch the element, because it's really easy to damage.

Also, while you're in there, it might be worth putting in a new air filter, or at least taking the old one out and beating as much dust out of it as possible.
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Sunday, October 15th, 2017 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
AMYETTER22
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Ok I replaced mass air flow sensor & now have engine codes P1153 & P0154. I'm going to change the O2 Sensor myself & hopefully that takes care of it running rough.
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 4:53 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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Well both codes do point to issues with Bank 2, O2 sensor 1. That's the one on the exhaust manifold on the passenger side of the engine. Before actually replacing it, be sure to take a good look at the wiring going to the sensor, as well as the connector itself. Problems there could be causing your issue.

Here's our guide on replacing an oxygen sensor: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-oxygen-sensor
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Wednesday, October 18th, 2017 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
AMYETTER22
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Thank you for all your help! I replaced that O2 Sensor (Bank 2 Sensor 1) & finally my Tahoe is running smoothly!
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Monday, November 6th, 2017 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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Awesome! I'm glad we could help you save some money. Please feel free to use this forum any time.
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Wednesday, November 8th, 2017 AT 1:34 PM

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