Car starts hard, idles really high, stalls when shifted into gear

Welcome to 2CarPros.

This can be the result of a few different things. I have to start at the beginning. Is the check engine light staying on when the engine is running? If it is, the first thing you need to do is check for diagnostic trouble codes. Here is a quick video that shows how to retrieve them:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times a parts store will check it for free or they will lend or rent you a scanner. If the light is on, this needs done. The codes retrieved will point us in the right direction. Otherwise, it becomes a guessing game.

Here are a couple links that may help you. They discuss a high idle and a rough idle. Both explain what to check for and how repairs are made. Take a look through them and let me know if they are helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-idles-too-high

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

Let me know if they help and if the check engine light is staying on.

Take care,
Joe

Welcome back:

I totally understand. Since it has a high idle, surges, and stalls, I suspect the idle air control valve (IAC) is bad. The IAC is a component that maintains idle speed. Now, what I would suggest is this. Before just replacing the IAC, I would try cleaning the throttle body. It isn't hard and may be partially to blame. Here is a link that explains how it is done:

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

One more check. An engine vacuum leak can also cause an idle issue. Here is a link that explains how to check for a vacuum leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

If that doesn't take care of the issue, then I suspect the problem is with the IAC. Here is a link that explains how one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-idle-speed-control-motor-iac

Here are the things it is responsible for:

The PCM uses the IAC valve assembly to control:
- no touch start
- cold engine fast idle for rapid warm-up
- idle (corrects for engine load)
- stumble or stalling on deceleration (provides a dashpot function)
- over-temperature idle boost

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Welcome back:

You are very welcome. Let me know what you find or if you need help.

Take care and I'll wait for the results.

Joe