Pontiac Repair: 1990 grand prix le idle reset, pontiac grand prix, drive wheels

Question
1990 pontiac grand prix LE.  My car will start but will only run for maybe 5 minutes before it will die.  If I am driving it I can keep it running by keeping my foot on the gas and the brake when slowing or stopping.  I have been told that when a new battery is installed(which i have recently done that the idle has to be reset. How do I properly reset the idle?  I have also heard that it could be my fuel pump.  WHat do you think?

Answer
Hi
The fuel pressure will need to be checked to determine if the fuel pump is at fault.

Here is the procedure to  relearn the IAC (Idle Air Controller) valve.

To restore the lost IACV position information due to an absence of battery power, perform the following procedure:

1. Restore the battery power and place air conditioning controls (if equipped) in the "off" position.

2. Firmly apply the parking brake and block the drive wheels. Start the engine, and shift the transaxle to "drive" for automatics or "neutral" for manuals.

3. Allow the engine to run a maximum of 10 minutes or until the engine cooling fan has cycled once, whichever occurs first.

4. Shift transaxle to Park (A/T), Neutral (M/T), turn the ignition key to the "off" position for at least 5 seconds.

5. Repeat Step #2.

6. Allow engine to run for at least 5 minutes.

This procedure will allow the ECM memory to be updated with the "correct" IACV position and provide a stable idle quality.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck
Pawl