So I have been trying to find the answer to this problem for a while now... No success yet...

When I am idling it is very rough sometimes, not all the time, maybe half the time. originally it was dying at idle constantly.... Now, I replaced the idle air control valve gasket which was shredded, it doesn't die necessarily. It doesn't die because I keep the air conditioner on because it gives the car that extra boost of power to keep it from dying. Anyways. It is a very rough idle. I am wondering what you guys think it could be, Maybe a leaky vaccum line? Clogged fuel filter? What do you guys think... I am fairly stumped right now....

 

well if it doesn't have a MAF (mass air flow sensor) any vacuum would cause a high idle.. what is the RPM gauge doing? check engine light on?

 

It drops down really low. It goes down to less than 500 rpm at idle... no the CEL light is not on... I am confused... It doesnt even do it all the time only about half the time....

 

My car was doing the same thing. I had to change my timing belt, and serpentine belt, as well as plugs. After ward I timed it and the rough idle went away.

Maybe get a timing gun and set your timing, get a cap and rotor or a set of plugs and wires as well.

 

My car had low idle and would shake and drop down to nothing unless I held the brake and the accelerator OR hold it in nuetral. I did a tune up and turn the distributor cap and it helped for about a week. I would check timing like angel said.. it could be off. Maybe increase the idle.. after I did my valve job it was low and shakey and I bumped it to about 1000 and eventually it evened out.. I would do a compression test as well. A vacuum leak would cause rough idle.. maybe run it through a smoke test or spray some liquid to see if it bubbles anywhere.

 

have you done any work to it recently?

 

Ok well I had been planning to change the timing belt and hadn't gotten a chance yet... May just pay to have it done... And I haven't really done anywork on it.... I wish I knew for sure what it was...

 

I know it may sounds dumb but check your plugs, wires, distributor and cap. They can mess with your idle. Also try seafoaming it. You can get a can for $5-15 depending where you live. You put aounrd 1/3-1/2 a can into the brake booster line and then let it sit. It made a huge difference in my idle.