Engine surges at idle

JC-842

MEMBER
2007 DODGE CALIBER
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
147,000 MILES

My question is, starting my car the hose coming from the intake manifold to the PCV/ valve blew out. Now my engine surges at idle and lightning bolt light comes on until I press the gas and then it goes off. Can someone please help me diagnose this problem? My diagnostics tool is not throwing a code?
Thanks JC.

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JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,310 POSTS

JC,

If the PCV is not connected, there will be a large vacuum leak. That is likely the cause of the idle issue. Have you repaired it?

I attached the directions for installing a new PCV. Let me know if you have done this.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 8:34 PM

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

One of the common causes of surging is due to vacuum leak.
As you mentioned that the PCV valve blew out, you will have to replace the valve as well as the hose (if it has any cracks).
That should fix the surging issue as the vacuum leak will be fixed.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-surges

I have attached PCV replacement instructions for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 8:45 PM

JC-842

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181 POSTS

I had to order the valve 4 different parts stores no one had it.

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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 9:02 PM

JC-842

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Hi Joe. I ordered it today. I took it out and cleaned it and reinstalled it. Upon doing that it cracked. But I was able to get it back in. The ball inside the valve didn't seem to be stuck. It did rattle when I shook it. JC

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Monday, October 4th, 2021 AT 9:07 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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Hi,

Wow, I would have thought that would be hard to get. Make sure when you install the new one that the rubber brake hose isn't damaged, cracked, or dry-rotted. Also, make sure the hose isn't plugged.

Let me know how things turn out for you. If I recall, this PCV screws into the VC. I can't imagine how it popped out for you.

Regardless, let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 6:18 PM

JC-842

MEMBER
181 POSTS

Hi Joe. I'll explain the valve itself didn't pop out but the hose that comes from the intake manifold is what popped out. Upon starting the car. I replaced it today and now it runs fine again. No more surging when idling. Looks like everything is good for now. Except my ABS light is on but it's been on since I bought the car 1 1/2 years ago. The girl I bought it from said she paid some guy to replace the front pads and when she got the car back the ABS light was on. The brakes are good, but I notice a scraping noise when backing out of my driveway. I've looked things over but don't see anything abnormal about the
Brakes. Most of the front-end parts I've replaced. Rotors look pretty good, and I only notice the noise when I'm in reverse. Thanks Joe. JC

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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 6:38 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,310 POSTS

Hi,

I'm glad to hear it's running good for you again. That hose would have caused a large vacuum leak. I'm surprised it ran as well as you said. LOL

If you want, start a new post related to the ABS issue. I would answer you now, but we try to keep all the threads specific to one topic. If the person you got it from was being honest, chances are we have a damaged wheel speed sensor or the wiring to it.

If you want, here is the link to start a new thread. I'll watch for it.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Copy and paste what you listed related to the ABS.

Take care of yourself, and please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You're always welcome here.

Joe

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Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 AT 7:44 PM