QuestionI have a 1987 Aries,2.5 tbi. When I go to start the car in cool weather or after it has sat a while,it will turn over fine but will idle rough until I step on the gas pedal .Then it seems to clear up and idle better(still alittle slugish until it warms up)It has no problem with hot starts.Have relaced fuel filter,champion plugs, replaced a couple or vacume lines,coolant temp sensor,tps sensor,auto idle sensor,fuel injector,egr valve,replaced power module, 02 sensor.unhooked complete exhaust for converter test. all in that order. Previous repairs are new timing belt@7000 miles ago. also new plug wires and hall effect, cap and rotor.car has 83000miles and did sit for a while before i got it in 2001.Have also lost about 1/3 of my mileage.thank you for your time.
AnswerHi Bart,
That is an impressive list of maintenance items! There is almost nothing left to consider except two things:
I would try to readout the engine controller memory for fault codes. Turn the ignition switch "on-off-on-off-on and leave on" within an elapsed time of 5 seconds or less. The check engine light will remain on but then begin to flash, pause, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause, then group the numbers into pairs to form two-digit fault codes. The last will be two groups of 5 flashes each, e.g. the code 55, which means end of readout. Then you can get a translation at:
www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html
Let me know the results for some specific suggestions.
The other thing would be to take a look at the spray pattern coming out of the fuel injector hitting the throttle plate at idle. It should be a very fine symmetric spray and there should be no drips either when idling or just as you turn it off. The injector may be loosing its ability to control low rates of injection. Unfortunately the cost of a new injector is about $150. But the mileage you have is about right to look for that possibility.
Let me know if you find something that solves the problem.
Roland
