Can someone give me an idea as to what may be wrong with my car?

[VEE EIGHT]

The check engine light came on last Friday night. The car kinda sputters on idle, as if I had a pair of lopey cams. It only does it on idle and runs fine (so I think) as soon as you give it some gas. Bad thing is that I can't take to my mechanic until early next week

Any ideas?

 

[98COBRA281]

a vacuum leak will make a car sound like it has a cams, check the vac lines that connect to the upper plenuim, the one on the back always seem to be the one to dry rot and crack.........

 

[trombonedemon]

Yep,

 

[VEE EIGHT]

And a vacuum leak would cause the SES light correct?

 

[hotdog71]

It always helps if you post the codes?

 

[VEE EIGHT]

It always helps if you post the codes?

I'd like that too but (excuse my noobery), how do I get them?

 

[Kilgore Trout]

AutoZone will pull the codes for free in the parking lot.

 

[98COBRA281]

And a vacuum leak would cause the SES light correct?

yes, it will be a lean code

 

[stangman11]

It may be your IAC valve if it only happens on idle and besides that the car drives fine. Do you possible hear a whinning noise from your engine bay at idle?

 

[VEE EIGHT]

a vacuum leak will make a car sound like it has a cams, check the vac lines that connect to the upper plenum

You were right on the money. The rubber hose coming off my PCV had a HUGE tear in it.

Where can I buy a short hose with a small bend like that? Autozone? Will wrapping the hell out of it with electrical tape help temporarily?

 

[joshjwc9]

That can work temporarily, but be sure to replace it. You can buy hoses in all sizes and shapes at any local parts stores.

I always seem to check mine whenever I change the oil in my car since it is my DD.

 

[98COBRA281]

You were right on the money. The rubber hose coming off my PCV had a HUGE tear in it.

glad i could help

 

[VEE EIGHT]

Alright I replaced the hose (which took care of my surging)....but the SES light is still on?

 

[98COBRA281]

Alright I replaced the hose (which took care of my surging)....but the SES light is still on?

unplug the battery for a little while, or if you have a hand held tuner, you can clear the codes with that.........

 

[VEE EIGHT]

unplug the battery for a little while, or if you have a hand held tuner, you can clear the codes with that.........

Yup, that did it! God Im glad that I came to SN and didnt spend $50+ on my mechanic!

Stangnet FTMFW!!!!!!

 

[V ocho!!]

i think i have the same problem, where is this vacuum line? upper plenum?

 

[wmburns]

i think i have the same problem, where is this vacuum line? upper plenum?

Don't you already have a thread open on your problem? The symptoms are far more extensive than the ones mentioned in this thread.

Most any engine is covered with vacuum lines. They run all over the engine (mainly on the top). Systems such as PCV, EGR, climate control, and others can be vacuum controlled. A vacuum leak anywhere will affect drivability.

This question is very general. Consider a Chilton’s/Hayes or other service manual. This has pictures and other descriptions that are much more detailed than what can be posted in an online forum.