Hi, I am new to this forum but have been reading it for years. First off, I want to thank everyone for their tips and tricks as they have come in handy so many times for me when there is no other place to turn for troubleshooting. Unfortunately, I am the boat again with another problem I can’t diagnose so maybe someone can help with it.
First off I am pretty skilled with a wrench and not scared to dive in and tackle anything so with that said here is the issue.
The car:
1996 TL 2.5
135,000 Miles
The problem: When I am going say 50 miles an hour and apply the brakes to slow to a normal stop the engine idle drops to around 400 RPM’s almost to stalling. But then it will recover quickly as I believe the Idle actuator kicks in. Then it will gradually fall back to lower rough idle around the 400 mark.
It only happens when it is warm and there is NO check engine light on, so that makes it even harder to diagnose. Some would say that I just need to set the idle up a little but that doesn’t make sense to me—why would the idle change and need to be reset?
What I have replaced:
Air Cleaner
PCV Valve
I have cleaned the Distributor Cap and Roto

If anyone has any suggestions, or had this issue please send some feedback.
Thanks!

 

Does it ever get back to a good idle?
If so, it could be the EGR valve sometimes doesn't close all the way. You might be able to disconnect the control for it (could be a vacuum hose or electric connector) to check.
If not, it might be the Idle air control valve. I'm not quite sure how to verify that.
Hope that helps.

 

Thanks for the response. It really does not get back to good idle until it cools down for a while.
When you press the accelerator it runs through the gears and the RMS’s just fine, it is when you are slowing down and at a stand still that it runs rough.
The EGR valve seems pretty easy to check and will start there. I believe you can clean out the EGR valve pretty easily. One other note, When I changed the PCV valve yesterday it was very dirty and carbon built up.
Thanks!

 

Nevermind my post, the check engine light came today on and read a P0301 code-misfire in #1 cylinder.
Fixed and running great!

 

Texas

I got a 1997 2.5 TL. I read that you had a misfire and fixed it. What did you do to fix it? I have a misfire on Cylinder #2 and it idles really low. Around the bottom of the RPm line next to 1000. Also How and where did you find the EGR Valve. I don't see any pics, so I don't know where to look. thanks again.

 

I saw that you are new to the forum (and maybe other forums). One of the basic rules is to close the loop on what you did to fix it.

DONT leave people hanging!

What fixed the misfire?

 

Yes, I am new to this forum and YES racerock I know the basic rules, an oversight on my part!

2doem, first you will need a manual, 2nd, check all the basic things like distributor for cracks and wear, check the wires and the plugs, etc. In the manual you will find where the EGR valve is located, in my situation it had nothing to do with the misfire but I cleaned it anyway.
My problem was that there was a leak in the intake manifold gasket.
If you have a small fuel hose you can put it to your ear and fish the other end around the #2 cylinder intake listening for hissing (you will know it when you hear it). Or you can spray the area with some carb cleaner and if it runs smoother you have a leak.
If you do have a leak, the first thing I would do is label all your hoses etc. because when or if you remove the intake you will need to know how it goes back together and make sure you scrape ALL the old gasket off both mating surfaces before reinstall.
Also you will need a full day to do it.
If you are good with your hands this will be fairly easy but if you aren't real sure what your doing then take it to the dealer. Again, label, take pictures and document all your hoses, clamps, etc.........Good Luck!