2000 sunfire rough idle - Car Troubleshooting


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2000 sunfire rough idle

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RS Dave
New User

Oct 26, 2009, 4:01 PM

Post #1 of 3 (6560 views)

2000 sunfire rough idle	Sign In

Hi,
I have a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire, 2.2 liter, around 200,000 kilometers. For the past few months it has been idling very rough and stumbly when first started up in the morning. After 10 to 15 minutes it would level out and be ok for the rest of the day. It has progressed to the point where it takes 30 to 40 minutes to level out, sometimes stalling. The check engine light sometimes comes on, sometimes not. It sometimes runs great with the engine light on. Replaced the coolant sensor on someone's advice, no change. Other ideas passed my way are the idle speed motor and MAF sensor. Given that I'm not a mechanic and those parts are not easy to get at without a fair amount of taking things apart I'd appreciate any advice I can get.

Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Oct 26, 2009, 4:22 PM

Post #2 of 3 (6557 views)

Re: 2000 sunfire rough idle	Sign In

RSDave; Since the check engine light has come on, the PCM will have stored trouble codes. You need to have these codes retrieved to begin diagnosing. My first thought while reading your post was coolant temp sensor. Is the engine getting up to proper temperature in a relatively quick amount of time (five minutes)? The trouble codes will give us a hint as which way to 'send' you. A faulty O2 sensor can restrict the PCM from going into closed loop. So, we need those codes. Most large parts stores, at least here in the US, will retrieved those codes for you, many for free. Don't let them sell you any parts. The reason being, an O2 sensor code for instance, is telling you that there is a problem in that particular circuit, not that the sensor is bad. Post your DTCs here, and we'll see what we can come up with.
Loren
SW Washington

RS Dave
New User

Nov 1, 2009, 10:15 PM

Post #3 of 3 (6544 views)

Re: 2000 sunfire rough idle	Sign In

Turned out to be an intermittent spark plug wire. No, getting the codes is not free around here ($90). Luckily my mechanic is a buddy of my dad so he skipped the scan charge and just charged me for replacing the plugs and wires (still $240) OUCH!!

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