'97 I4 dying at idle (cold)

[kjarrett]

187k miles, second owner (bought it with 183k), has run FLAWLESSLY since I got it, every factory scheduled service done at the dealer by the original owner, timing chain done at 167k, drives like new.

Fires right up and if I keep my foot on the gas it will run fine but as soon as I let off, it sputters and dies. Has done this 1x-2x before when cold, didn't think anything of it.

Any thoughts? I changed the oil yesterday and saw nothing out of place. Idled wonderfully for about 3-5 minutes before I shut her down.

Thanks, kj

[jcotero]

Does this only happen when it is cold then it is most likey the IAC (Idle air control valve). Search the 4 gen forum as this is kinda common

[kjarrett]

[MODS PLEASE MOVE THIS THREAD - SORRY - THANKS]

So far yes the only time I noticed it was when it was cold before. I will seach the G4 forums, thanks!

In the meantime, anyone got a screenshot or schematic of where this IAC bad boy is?

-kj-

[Mike Gerber]

I agree. You probably have a dirty or defective Idle Air Control Valve. This has been covered numerous times in this forum. Clean your throttle body paying particular attention to spraying the cleaner liberally in to the square or diamond shaped port at the base of the throttle body. That port leads to the Idle Air Control Valve. Do a search for "throttle body cleaning". There are several posts on it including one that shows great pictures. It will have the pictures and descriptions you need.

Mike