Rough idling, RPMs fluctuating and stalling?

Tiny
EEEWEEZY
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 131,500 MILES
Regardless of cold/warm start, the engine will have a rough idle when the engine lowers to the operating value. While driving, the RPMs will continue to bounce around when I apply light pressure to the gas (maintaining a low speed in the OD gear). Most of the time it runs fine when accelerating but does have these “random fits” of backfiring while driving that are sporadic. And the engine is very unhappy when switching between drive/reverse when I’m going to park (lots of RPMs bucking and can choke off).
The problem started about a month ago. To this point, I’ve replaced the spark plugs and cables (AC Delco), rebuilt the throttle body (AC Delco rebuild kit) and installed new injectors (refurbished).
I’ve done some research and I’ve come across people experiencing similar issues and it ended up being solved by replacing the ignition control module or the ignition coil.
Looking for assistance/advice. Is there a way I could verify both of those with a multimeter? Or another way? Could it be something else?
Saturday, January 6th, 2024 AT 3:34 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

First, this has an OBD1 diagnostic system. You don't need a scan tool to retrieve codes. This is where I recommend starting so we can see if it is a misfire due to a specific cylinder or if it is more likely being caused by something different. All you will need to do this is a short jumper wire or even a paper clip. Follow the directions in this link and let me know what you find:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Also, let me know if you have confirmed the fuel pressure is within the manufacturer's specifications.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, January 7th, 2024 AT 12:08 AM
Tiny
EEEWEEZY
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  • 6 POSTS
I’ll need to pick up a loaner fuel pressure gauge to verify. Also, will respond after checking if the OBD throws codes.

Thank you for the help so far.
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Sunday, January 7th, 2024 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
EEEWEEZY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
After using a wire to start the diagnostic process, it kept throwing a “12” code.
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Monday, January 8th, 2024 AT 3:16 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Is it the engine light flashing a code 12 or the ABS light?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, January 8th, 2024 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
EEEWEEZY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The service engine light is flashing.
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Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 AT 3:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Okay. I asked because there was an issue with the ABS system flashing a false negative code 12. If it is the engine light, that simply indicates it is in diagnostic mode. If there are no other codes, it will continue to flash a code 12. If there are other codes, it will flash code 12 three times, pause, and then flash the other codes.

Have you had a chance to check the fuel pressure? When the vehicle starts acting up for you, are there any odd smells from the exhaust or anything you notice as far as odd sounds?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
EEEWEEZY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Haven’t had a chance to check the pressure due to the weather being poor.
Whenever the truck has rough idle, the exhaust smells rich.
I also noticed that when stopped at a light, the RPMs slowly drop from 1000 to below 700, which is when the engine will begin to have a rough idle.
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Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 AT 5:16 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
The fuel pressure regulator is integral to the throttle body assembly. It may be the issue. Let me know what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Joe
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Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 AT 5:13 PM
Tiny
EEEWEEZY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Problem solved. It was a faulty ignition coil. Engine is running perfect now.
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Friday, January 26th, 2024 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

Wow, I'm really surprised it didn't set a misfire code. Regardless, I'm glad to know you found the issue.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Friday, January 26th, 2024 AT 7:28 PM

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