Car will not idle and it will be hard to keep running in cold weather?

Tiny
TJMOWBRAY
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 153,000 MILES
I've had this problem for a while even before head gasket blew in cold and wet weather car will not idle or respond unless you have the accelerator half way to the floor it's some kind of fuel problem fuel filter has been changed regularly spark plugs and wires are maintained I've thought of buying me a new throttle body.
Monday, December 16th, 2024 AT 4:21 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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This sounds like the TPS is bad which was common on these cars, I would run the codes as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

Here is the TSP location so you can check it out. Check out the images (below). Let us know what you find.
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Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 AT 11:55 AM
Tiny
TJMOWBRAY
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I just recently changed the TPS.
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Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 AT 2:38 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, did you run the codes?
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Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
TJMOWBRAY
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No I haven't had a chance yet.
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Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, let me know what you find when you get a chance.
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Thursday, December 19th, 2024 AT 10:44 AM
Tiny
TJMOWBRAY
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  • 74 POSTS
I ran the codes. Nothing flashed 12 over and over. Car runs fine in summer time but when temperature drops below about 60 degrees car will not idle or respond when accelerator is pushed unless half way to the floor.
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Thursday, December 19th, 2024 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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This can be a weak fuel pump, have you changed the fuel filter? Also, I would swap out the coolant temperature sensor as well.
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Friday, December 20th, 2024 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
TJMOWBRAY
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Figured it out 38 year old fuel injector broke while I was taking it out.
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Thursday, December 26th, 2024 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Friday, December 27th, 2024 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
TJMOWBRAY
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  • 74 POSTS
Bought new fuel injector from rockauto car still doesn't idle right. I observed while running new fuel injector isn't spraying but more like pouring fuel into intake.
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Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 AT 6:57 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sorry, I thought you got it fixed. I would make sure the ECM grounds on the engine or good, also did the old injector do the same thing? You might have a defective injector.

Here is a guide to help test the injector pulse to see if it is a computer or injector problem:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Thursday, April 24th, 2025 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
TJMOWBRAY
  • MEMBER
  • 74 POSTS
  • 1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 156,000 MILES
Fuel injector was broken so I replaced it from rock auto car idles rough has a miss at low RPMs runs good at higher RPMs observed while running fuel injector seems to be dumping fuel instead of spraying could this be weak fuel pump? How do I check fuel pressure?
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Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 AT 12:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TJMOWBRAY
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Also throttle body is blacked up.
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Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 AT 12:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MECHTRIX
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Yes clean the throttle body for sure. Also, i'd check the fuel pressure, regulator, and pump if cleaning the throttle body first doesn't help.
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Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 AT 12:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TJMOWBRAY
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Where is the fuel pressure regulator located on this car?
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Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 AT 12:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
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Here is a guide to help you check the fuel pressure. I have seen defective fuel injectors cause the is problem due to resistance issues.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Fuel Pressure .................... 62-90 kPa (9-13 PSI)

The fuel pressure regulator is in the injector throttle body. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 AT 12:07 PM (Merged)

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