81 (o): TAD or AM-2 (Thermactor Air Diverter)/ Secondary Air Injection Bypass (AIRB) solenoid circuit failure, or SCVNT (Speed Control Vent) circuit failure (IVSC test). 81 (o): 2.3 Turbo. Boost control circuit failure.
Code 81 – Secondary Air Injection Diverter Solenoid failure AM2. The secondary air diverter valve (rear vacuum operated valve) isn’t working on the Thermactor Air System (smog pump). Look for broken or missing vacuum lines on the solenoid valve to the diverter valve. The solenoid valve is located on the back side of the passenger side wheel well. Check the solenoid valve for +12 volts at the Red wire and look for the Lt Green/Black wire to switch from +12 volts to 1 volt or less. The computer controls the valve by providing a ground path on the LT Green/Black wire for the solenoid valve.
would this make my car have an idle surge and stick at 1500 rpms? this is my main concern. thought my car was just throwing a random fit until this happened twice.
Idle surges are common occurances, but the codes you got have nothing to do with them. Do a search on surging idle or surge and you will find lots of good stuff.