GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1996 🢒 Chevy G Van 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 5.0L, 5.7L, and 7.4L 🢒 Rough, Unstable, or Incorrect Idle and Stalling

Checks

Action

Definition: The engine runs unevenly at idle. If severe enough, the engine or vehicle may shake. The engine idle speed may vary in RPM. Either condition may be severe enough to stall the engine.

Preliminary Check

Refer to Important Preliminary Checks .

Sensor Checks
    • Check the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S).
        Check for silicon contamination from fuel or improperly used sealant. The sensor will have a white powdery coating. The sensor will result in a high but false signal voltage (rich exhaust indication). The Control Module will reduce the amount of fuel delivered to the engine causing a severe driveability problem. Refer to DTC P0131 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1 . Refer to DTC P0132 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1 . Refer to DTC P0133 HO2S Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1 . Refer to DTC P0134 HO2S Circuit Insufficient Activity Bank 1 Sensor 1 . Refer to DTC P0135 HO2S Heater Performance Bank 1 Sensor 1 . Refer to DTC P0137 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 . Refer to DTC P0138 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 . Refer to DTC P0140 HO2S Circuit Insufficient Activity Bank 1 Sensor 2 . Refer to DTC P0141 HO2S Heater Performance Bank 1 Sensor 2 .
    • Check the Throttle Position (TP) sensor. If a sticking throttle shaft or binding linkage causes a high TP sensor open throttle indication, the Control Module will not control the idle. Monitor the TP sensor voltage. A scan tool and/or voltmeter should read less than .85 volts with the throttle closed.
    • Check the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor using the scan tool to compare the engine coolant temperature with the ambient air temperature on a cold engine. If the coolant temperature reading is more than 5 degrees greater than or less than the ambient air temperature on a cold engine, check for a high resistance in the coolant sensor circuit or the sensor itself. Refer to DTC P1115 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Intermittent High Voltage Diagnostic Aids or DTC P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage Diagnostic Aids.
    • Check the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor response and accuracy. Refer to DTC P0106 Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) System Performance .

Fuel System Checks
    • Check to determine if a Rich or Lean system causes the condition. Drive the vehicle at the speed of the complaint. Monitoring the Fuel Trim will help identify the problem.
       - Lean - The Long Term Fuel Trim is greater than 150. Refer to DTC P0132 HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1 Diagnostic Aids. Refer to DTC P0123 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit High Voltage Diagnostic Aids.
       - Rich - The Long Term Fuel Trim is less than 115. Refer to DTC P0131 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1 Diagnostic Aids. Refer to DTC P0137 HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 Diagnostic Aids.
    • Check the fuel injector driver circuit.
        1. Disconnect the injector harness connector at the injectors.
        2. Connect an injector test light between the terminals of each injector connector and note the light while cranking.
        3. If the test light fails to blink at any connector, it is a faulty injector drive circuit harness, connector, or terminal.
    • Perform the fuel injector coil test. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
    • Perform the fuel injector balance test. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test .
    • Check for fuel in the pressure regulator vacuum hose. If fuel is present, replace the regulator assembly.
    • Check the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) control system. Refer to Evaporative Emission Control System Diagnosis .
    • Perform a cylinder compression test. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
    • Check for leaking fuel injectors. Refer to Injector Circuit Diagnosis
    • Check the fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Check the scan tool for an injector fault which could indicate one or more faulty injectors or wiring.

Ignition System Checks
    • Check the ignition output voltage using the spark tester J 26792 or the equivalent. Refer to Enhanced Ignition System
    • Check for the following conditions:
       - Wet plugs
       - Cracks
       - Wear
       - Improper gap
       - Burned electrodes
       - Blistered insulators
       - Heavy deposits
    • Check the spark plug wires by connecting an ohmmeter to the ends of each wire in question. If the meter reads over 30,000 ohms, replace the wires.

Additional Checks
    • Check for vacuum leaks. Vacuum leaks can cause a higher than normal idle and low Idle Air Control (IAC) counts.
    • Check the Control Module grounds for being clean, tight, and in their proper locations. Refer to Engine Controls Components .
    • Check the Automatic Transmission Fluid Pressure (TPF) manual valve indicator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Pressure Switch Assembly.
    • Check the scan tool to determine if the Control Module is receiving an A/C signal. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Clutch Control Diagnosis . If a problem exists with the A/C ON, check the A/C system operation. Refer to Section 1B of the appropriate service manual.
    • Check for the EGR being ON while idling which will cause roughness, stalling, and hard starting. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Diagnosis .
    • Check the battery cables and ground straps. They should be clean and secure. Erratic voltage will cause the IAC to change its position resulting in poor idle quality.
    • Check the IAC Valve. The IAC will not move if the system voltage is not within 9 to 16 volts.
    • Check the A/C refrigerant pressure for being too high or for a faulty high pressure switch.
    • Check the Crankcase Ventilation Valve for proper operation by placing a finger over the inlet hole in the valve end several times. The valve should snap back. If not, replace the valve. Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System .

Engine Mechanical Check

Check for the following:

    • Broken motor mounts.
    • Improper valve timing
    • Low compression
    • Bent pushrods
    • Worn rocker arms
    • Broken or weak valve springs.
    • Worn camshaft lobes
    • Refer to Engine Mechanical.