I have noticed the oil light fading in and out at stoplights?

ESDOTGRUNDY

MEMBER
1994 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

My 94 Cav sometimes stalls. And I have noticed the oil light fading in and out at stoplights. It normally stalls about 3-5 miles after the check engine light comes on but if I turn the car off and then back on the light goes out and no stalling (actually it buys me a few more miles before the stalling). I had it tested and was told that it was my EGR. I then replaced the EGR and the problem never went away. Had it tested again and was told EGR, again! Someone told me about an Idle control sensor(?). Anyway, I got what I thought to be one from salvage (has a bolt w/ a spring around it and has a plug on it) replaced mine. When I did this the engine revved for a min then idled fine. But the check engine light still comes on and then it stalls. What's next, I need a solution to my problem. And please give it to me easy, i'm a novice here.

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Get a can of spray gumout, spray the vac lines and maniflod area, when the idle changes, youve found the leak! You want the engine running and spray on the outside but do direct the stream onto the hoses, if it is a vacuum leak, the engine idle will change speed, then you have detected a leak, repair the vacuum leak and see how it runs! Also test for codes and post the codes here...

Cross these two terminals as shown, then turn the key on. Count the flashes, a 22 will flash as 2 flashes then a short pause, then 2 flashes, if more than one code is stored, the pause will be longer. The codes will display three times and end with 12. Write them down and post here.

You may have a vacuum leak or the throttle actuator needs to be serviced here are two guides to help us fix the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service

Please run down these guides and report back.