Idle high and dips low?

Tiny
PAGE0210
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 188,000 MILES
The rpm dip low constantly and the car acts as if it wants to stall. Rough uphill and definitely difficult to get it to highway speeds.
What I've done
- changed out both catalytic converters and the downstream 02 sensor. The upstream 02 sensor they ordered was wrong so it's disconnected but the problem was before this.
- Checked for air leaks at the intake and manifold. Manifold has a small crack but I don't think that would cause this?
Any ideas would help out significantly. Thank you guys for your time you are awesome!
Friday, February 27th, 2026 AT 1:05 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 55,009 POSTS
Your are welcome, we try to help the best we can, the line "Manifold has a small crack" can be the problem, this condition is indicative of the vacuum leak, can you upload an image of the crack you see? Also, I would remove the throttle body and service it. Here are two guides to go over to help fix the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-idles-too-high

and

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

Please go over these guides and get back to us. Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, February 28th, 2026 AT 10:05 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.