[Kim]

Both of these seem to have occurred.



1. The A/C doesn't work. Curiously, when it is really hot, it hasn't worked before but I have always though that the switch fails in the heat because early morning or any time when it is not really hot from sitting in the sun it will work. Just a nuisance. Always worked eventually and so if I just left it on it worked pretty good with good cold air. Now it just doesn't work anytime. What is odd is that when I switch the A/C on (the voltmeter goes down indicating power is going somewhere) the amount of fresh air coming through the ducts is significantly reduced. When the A/C works this does not happen. Please note that I have not had anything checked out, just wondering if this might be symptomatic of something other than no freon. The entire climate control section was refurbished this spring and, other than this A/C problem, it works fine.



2. The car has started to idle funny and stall. Just lift your foot off the gas and, sometimes, it stalls. Doesn't stumble first, just stall as if I turned off the ignition. Starts right up again and performance does not seem to be affected. Also, sometimes idles a bit fast for no particular reason. Again, goes back to normal right away and doesn't do it often. Could this be a failing DME relay?

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[sasilverbullet]

1. low freon



2. check the easy stuff first in this order - sounds ignition related:

replace plugs

replace distributor cap and rotor

replace plug wires

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Ummm... Not sure I agree to start replacing expensive ignition components (unless these are in dire need of replacement anyway) before starting with some easier stuff first. I would definitely take a look at the plugs, cap, and rotor, but not replace right away unless they are obviously worn. Doing so may make the car run a little better, but may not solve the specific problem here.



The first order of business should be the blink test to rule in or out any sensors that may be failing. Next, though I haven't had any experience with this, would be to check the idle stabilization valve. This has failed in a lot of cars, so I would do a search on it to see if there's an easy test for it. If this doesn't fix it, I would do a vacuum check, and check the vacuum lines as thoroughly as you can to see if you can spot a leak. This is a pain, but if you can do it yourself, at least it's free, and there's a reasonable likelihood that this may be your problem, especially if you've never had the lines replaced. Then I would run some Sea Foam through the throttle body.



If none of these things take care of it, I would work toward things that are less likely to cause the problem, but are due for replacement anyway; who knows, you may get lucky.



I had sort of the opposite problem of yours a couple of years ago (hesitation under full throttle acceleration), which I spent months troubleshooting. In my case, it turned out to be the ingition wires. The test I ran, on the suggestion of a neighbor, was to fully warm up the car at night, lift the hood, and watch carefully for any signs of sparks. It needs to be very dark to do this effectively. Given that this is also free, I would add it to your list as well. Good luck!

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[968rz]

Kim, just a thought but what about the DME relay?



Cloud, next time you look for sparks at the wires, mist some water on them and watch the show <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> (brings out even moderately bad wires)

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

[quote name='968rz' post='39862' date='Aug 13 2007, 05:24 PM']Cloud, next time you look for sparks at the wires, mist some water on them and watch the show <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> (brings out even moderately bad wires)[/quote]



Good suggestion. At first I thought you were kidding, but I suppose a light mist wouldn't pose any danger, and would tend to "highlight" issues with wires and/or connections. I have a new set of wires, and this completely fixed my hesitation problem, so I think I'm OK for awhile.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Kim]

It was the idle stablisation valve. I had it cleaned and it seemed to make a big difference. It was completely stuck and the internals wouldn't move. BTW, the check engine code was 1-2-2-1, imtermittent problem with AFS. Light came on every time the car's idle fell too low.



Thanks folks.



PS - A/C works OK now as well (???).

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Great news on the idle stabilization valve. Glad it was a simple, and relatively quick fix.



The air flow sensor isn't as good news, as I understand they are not repairable or cleanable, and are quite pricey to replace. Hopefully yours will hold out for awhile. Is the car giving any symptoms? I read awhile back that somebody was inquiring about finding a source for a rebuilt one, which would be considerably cheaper.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.