Help Wanted: Truck Idling Low

July 10, 2006 7:56 AM

96 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6: my truck idles low and i think my spark plugs are misfiring

for about a year, my car wouldnt start properly. if i pulled the accelerator cord, i could keep it running. but if left alone, it'd just idle out and die.. i changed the idle air controller twice. this last one seems to have done the trick, but now my car idles low. i've cleaned out the throttle body, changed air filters, new plugs (gapped properly i think) and wires. no dice.

a mechanic buddy showed me a screw on his sedan that revs up the idle, but there is no corresponding screw on my throttle body.

and no i'm getting engine codes that say my engine is misfiring.

background info: i put a new tank and fuel pump on it a few months back. new battery, fresh tune ups and all. i want this truck to last another 4 years.

posted by Davaal to Travel & Transportation (2 answers total)

I just had the 'Idle Contoller' in my '99 Ford Explorer either replaced or cleaned (don't have the invoice in front of me) for reasons you are describing. It had carbon buildup. $190 is what it cost me.
posted by tayknight at 8:29 AM on July 10, 2006

An exhaust leak can cause idle problems. Get under the car when it's cold and running, and feel around. If you find a leak, jam a rag against it and see if the idle improves.
posted by Daddio at 8:50 AM on July 10, 2006