Car broke down, please help me determine what died!!!

[Lackdaddy]

A while back my car started idiling wierd... i would go outside to warm it up, and 5 minutes later, i would hear my car revving on its own... went outside to see what was up, and the tach was bouncing from 800 rpms, to 2000 rpms like i was feathering the gas pedal. the check engine light would come on as well, so i found that gettin in the car and mashing the gas pedal 5-10 times would make the check engine lilght go off, and the idle would return to normal... well, one day it wouldnt stop doing it... no matter how many times i hit the gas pedal, it wouldnt stop... took it to a place that ran thier diagnostic machine on it, and they said my computer forgot how to idle... ok.. so the problem went away.. so here we are about 6 months later, and im driving home from work yesterday...sitting at a light, and the damn CEL comes on again, and i cant get the car to go over 2000 rpms... the idle is smooth, but ill hold the pedal to the floor, and it will not rev above 2000 rpms. i disconnected that battery and let it sit for 30 minutes.. no dice.. and get this crap.... when i go to start the car while its doing this.. i dont have to push the clutch in to start it! tell me thats not wierd as hell either.... does anyone have any clue of what the hell i can do to fix this besides drive it off a cliff? oh, and this is on my 93 1.8L

 

[ahner]

most likely it is a sensor issue. it could even be that the ECU is bad, and it isnt giving accurate codes. try using the set-up at this link to check codes and see what comes up. its cheaper than going to a mechanic. wish i knew moire about these cars to help you, but im new to this DSM stuff.

http://www.myzero.com/electrical/code.html

 

[Lackdaddy]

cool man thanks.... i really appreciate that... ill have to try that tomorrow and see whats up.... thanks again!

 

[Amodeo]

I had the same problem with the idle speed on my Turbo motor. It turned out to be the trottle position sensor. I'm not familiar with the 1.8l motor but that's the first thing I would check. You'll need a multi-function amp/voltage meter and a good repair manual to check the components. Just follow the instructions and you should be able to confirm if the TPS has gone bad.

 

[Lackdaddy]

Do you think it would be easier to just replace the TPS ? i mean its gonna go bad eventually... ill try to look it up cost wise and see how much im lookin at

 

[Amodeo]

Originally posted by Lackdaddy
Do you think it would be easier to just replace the TPS ? i mean its gonna go bad eventually... ill try to look it up cost wise and see how much im lookin at

The TPS on the Turbo motor is not cheap and the test is easy to do. I'd check it first.