| Subject: | car will not idle |
| Question: | 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
GT 3.0 manual. I replaced the battery yesterday now the car won't idle
after first minute or two. I checked the vacuum hoses, sensor connections
and fuses in the engine compartment. I hate to pay $40.00 for computer
diagnostics if it could be something simple like a fuse. I drove it 35 miles to work today, runs fine with the cruise control on. Any clues would be appreciated. Thanks. |
| Answer: | Ron, Any time you replace your battery, especially on newer cars, your idle can become disrupted because your car's computer (ECM) gets reset. On newer cars, your car "learns" your driving style adjusts timing, fuel injections, etc... When you replaced the battery, your ECM resets and it has to re-learn. If your idle does not go back to normal after a few days of running
it, replace your PCV valve. That part is very cheap and anyone can replace
it. It almost as easy to replace as it is putting gas in your car. If
you have an AutoZone in your area, they can point out where your PCV
valve is located, and they may even help you replace it. If replacing
that doesn't help, and you have an AutoZone in your area, the folks at
AutoZone can scan your car's computer for free. They have an universal
code reader and you don't have to pay $40 at the dealership. Your problem
may just be a loose spark plug wire or something simple. |