is my engine gonna die soon

[viper_707]

this is how it is. lately almost everytime i stop it feels like my engine is gonna stall. Sometimes it almost has, my dash lights will flash for a second and the car will almost stall. It had been a little ruff at idle some times too. Does anyone have a idea what this could be. My car is a gen1 if you didn't know already.

[ChopstickHero]

is there a check engine light on?

i had one the other day and it turns out my EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) has a problem. EGR reduces combustion temperatures in the cylinders at part-throttle and this reduces the production of Nitrous Oxide gas to levels manageable by the cat so that very little escapes to atmosphere. pure emissions control.

The EGR system is controlled directly by the PCM. EGR is not engaged when the engine is cold, at very low temperatures, Water vapour in the exhaust can freeze on the throttle plate if the EGR valve opens in these conditions, the engine is at idle and when the engine is at WOT.

I got a P0401 CEL, which is a problem with EGR flow. i'm thinking that the EGR valve is stuck in the open position, even when i come to a stop and idle. when i'm driving, it drives like normal because it's supposed to remain open during driving. but when the car is warm and at idle, it idles really rough because the valve is open, when it's actually supposed to be shut.

anyways, bringing it in today to get it fixed under warranty.

[Logan]

Good thoughts Mike, but it's a 1st Gen, the warranty is long gone!

When was the last time you did a tune-up? New plugs, air filter, fuel filter, distributor cap and wires?

Sounds to me like it's just in need of some TLC.

[Mike_Moss]

Turn up the idle and drive the piss out of it as usual. http://ib2.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Problem solved!

[tiwing]

is it an automatic? Maybe the clutches aren't releasing properly. I had a friend (not a protege owner) have this happen...

[viper_707]

thanks guys. mike how do you turn the idle up. i heard you have to jump sumthing to do it.

[Logan]

There is a tiny screw on the throttle body.

Are you good with regular maintenance?
You'd be surprised what a new distributor cap and rotor will do if the ones on the car now are OLD.

[Mike_Moss]

Yeah, the screw is right near the cable swing arm thing (tech term). You should jump the TEN and GND connectors on the diagnostics box...but meh...that means getting a paperclip out. http://ib2.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[viper_707]

do you just jump it when your tunning it or do you jump it and leave it for good

[Mike_Moss]

Just while you're playing with the idle.

[viper_707]

its seems to be when i'm making a quick stop. when i drive like a normal person it seems to be fine.

[superdave]

check your intake for cracks

[viper_707]

super dave how do you like the tokicos, i was planning on getting the smae ones and ground control coil overs

[superdave]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (viper_707 @ May 08 2004,10:29)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">super dave how do you like the tokicos, i was planning on getting the smae ones and ground control coil overs[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
They're nice. Its a nice firm ride... the tokico's an suspension techniques are a good combo (no bouncing at all)... depends what spring rates your order with the gc's it should be a nice setup!

[viper_707]

i want to get them as stiff as possible so if i lower them alot for show then i know they wont rub that easy.