1994 Chevy Cavalier Starting and Idle Problems

Tiny
SCROOKHAM
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
Hello,
1994 Chevrolet Cavalier 3.1 Automatic. I just replaced the starter and another problem has appeared. When I start the vehicle, the RPMs go up to about 2000 for about 5 seconds and then settle down into a normal range of about 7-900.

It also has an intermittent problem when driving, while both warm and cold the idle will sometimes drop from normal to about 300 and almost die then rise back to a normal idle. It will rise and fall until the gas pedal is pressed and then the car will drive normally. Once in awhile it does actually stall, usuall when on a hill or backing in reverse. I've noticed the transmission downshifting a bit rough recently so I'm wondering if it could be something related to that. Thank you for any input you may provide.
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Monday, December 17th, 2007 AT 11:05 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
When was the last major tune-up and do you have a check engine light?

Have the idle air control valve and throttle position sensor check, to include the EGR. An engine performance problem will cause the transmission not to operate properly
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Monday, December 17th, 2007 AT 1:24 PM
Tiny
SCROOKHAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi,
Thank you for the prompt response, last tune up was about 10,000 miles ago, and fluids are checked and changed regularly as my girlfriend uses it to get back and forth to college. The car runs rather well other than this problem.

No check engine light which is why I suspected a possible transmission issue. I will check out the Throttle Position Sensor, Idle Air Control Valve and EGR next.
Thanks again.
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Monday, December 17th, 2007 AT 1:45 PM

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