1989 Chevy Truck runs like garbage (Page 1/1)
starlightcoupe APR 29, 11:30 PM
I posted an inquiry similar to the one above and asked if the Idle Air Controller could be the culprit. At that time, I was either unable to do the repair because of pending back surgery or I had just gotten back fusion surgery. Unfortunately, the answers were all around the problem so now that I can stand on my feet longer than for a few minutes, I repaired the problem today and I hope it will help others.

Symptom: Rough running, NO IDLE, smoke from exhaust, ran ok at higher speeds but stalled out whenever I tried to go from idle to RPM
Code:12 which essentially says "Your engine isn't running, stupid."

I had another code that indicated the coolant temp sensor was bad(it wasn't and isn't causing the problem and is now gone--it was an anomaly).

Today, I removed the IAC, cleaned it with some electronic parts cleaning spray I use to clean switches and controls, gently chipped off some carbon on the plunger and the truck started, ran, idles fine and now I can go get horse manure and a cabinet my wife wants. (not at the same time)

The moral for this story is that I need to trust my initial diagnosis which was," If it idles like poop, chances are the device that controls engine idle just might be the problem despite what others say."

[This message has been edited by starlightcoupe (edited 04-29-2014).]

FieroTony MAY 02, 10:54 AM
For the majority of the time people are just trying to be helpful based on what they've encountered over the past or on what they know. And yes there are some that overthink it and go past the simplest and most obvious, (that's me sometimes).
Glad you got it straightened out and are back on your feet, (no pun intended).
rogergarrison MAY 22, 11:36 AM
I always try to start with the easiest, then cheapest fix first. I see a lot of overthinking in here, especially in the tech section. ie/ my car vibrates at 65 mph, whats wrong? reply: you need to replace all your suspension bushings, ball joints, and engine and trans mounts. (never mind that you didnt have that spare wheel your using balanced)