Pontiac Repair: 95 Grand Prix: Ideling, vacuum leak, scan tool

Question
QUESTION: I have a 95 grand prix se, and when I start it (usually when its freezing outside) it idles really harsh. When I put it in gear, either drive or reverse its like I'm in a race. I can hardly keep control of my car. My boyfriend thinks it might have something to do with the vacuum. But who knows.. I have had so many weird things happen with this car.

Thanx

ANSWER: Hi angie:

sorry it took so long to get back to you but thisd was in the quastion pool and not directed to me. what engine is in this car? 3.4 or 3.1 V6? It makes a difference in which way to go as to what to look for but your BF is right it may be a Vaccum issue. has the battery gone dead in this car recently and ever since that it's been acting up? any service engine light on? how does it run when it's hot? does the idel hunt meaning up and down when you come to a stop or does it stall when you come to a stop?



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thats fine I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. I'm pretty sure my car is a V6 with a 3.1 or 3.2. If it helps its an SE. I had a problem with the battery a long time ago.. but since the problem started no. This only usually happens when it is cold outside. And my service engine light has been on for a couple of years now. But knock on wood, I've never really had any major issues with it. Lets just say when it idles high.. I can basically drive my car without pushing the gas peddle at all unless its a big hill. It'll go the speed limit without me touching the gas.

Answer
Hi there:

I still think the issue is either with a vacuum leak or maybe an idle control valve. Either way it's not as good thing if the idle is that fast especially if you drive it in the snow and cold. This is somthing that your are probably not going to be able to fix your self. You need to take it to a shop that has a scan tool that they can plug into the car and see what the engine control computer is doing and what it is seeing to make the idle run so high but like I said it's either a vacuum leak or the something to do with the idle control valve. good luck :}