Hello

My first real post in the forum. I should warn you I'm not huge on all the parts abbreviation lingo around here so if you have any suggestions, please spell it out so I know what you're talking about.

Lately I've been starting up my '91, and it'll idle up and down like crazy. The RPM needle will bounce up a down between 500-2000, and it probably goes in 10-second cycles. Sometimes it will get to the point where the engine'* about to stutter and quit, then kick back in again. It just keeps going in cycles like that.

If I'm at a stoplight, it will sometimes stop completely and I'll have to start it back up again (hopefully before the green light!). Usually it starts right up without any delay in the ignition, but that'* if I've been driving it on the road for a while.

I know this could be a number of things, but I'm just trying to narrow it down. Thanks!

Thanks, no I will get those checked out first. How big of a pain are they?

not too hard at all. if you find a leak, i would just replace them all as good measure if they are originals. they dont cost very much iirc

Thanks Matt. Initial affordable assessments are always a winner in my book!

Check the battery cables. They sometimes corrode inside the insulation where it doesn't show. Even if the terminals are clean the cables can be foul inside the insulation and can act like the symptoms you have described.

Thanks bastard (haha, your username just made my night) --- I'll check those out too. I'll definitely be back to post some updates.

Keep narrowing it down. After the cables and vac hoses check the TPS voltage and for smooth movement throughout its operating range. A busted TPS can cause the idle to search because of changing voltage outputs.

Another possibility and its free is cleaning maf sensor and IAC valve just do a search on these.Ive had both of these cause the same symptoms you have.