93 Laser NonTurbo FWD - My first DSM

[ClayCarCrash]

I just got a Laser, 85,000 miles on it. It had sat, for a while. I changed the oil, cleaned the air filters and throttle body, changed the thermostat. I am preparing to replace the plugs and wires. Now I don't have any lights on on my dash, but it does kind of search for its idle, between 800 and 1300rpm, also it kind of jerks when on the highway, not all the time, more so when cruising at low rpms. It also seems to be burning a crazy amount of gas, like as much as my 96 dodge ram. I feel like it's close to double the fuel consumption it should be.

Any help is more than welcome! When I go to replace my plugs in a little bit I'll post a picture of them. Thanks in advance!

PS. Your reply does not just need to be associated to the original problems in my post, I am also looking for advice, tips, suggestions on mods, and everything else that comes with owning a DSM.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Does the rpm seem to fluctuate while driving? Sounds like you probably have a boost leak somewhere. That will cause the idle problem, which could lead to extra fuel consumption. The Jenkins on the highway could mean you need an alignment, but could also indicate a bad suspension component. Lift your car and check all parts, try to wiggle the wheels to check the wheel bearings, look for bad boots on the steering rack, bad ball joints, etc.

 

[black91awdturbo]

Does the rpm seem to fluctuate while driving? Sounds like you probably have a boost leak somewhere. That will cause the idle problem, which could lead to extra fuel consumption. The Jenkins on the highway could mean you need an alignment, but could also indicate a bad suspension component. Lift your car and check all parts, try to wiggle the wheels to check the wheel bearings, look for bad boots on the steering rack, bad ball joints, etc.

Its NT so its not a boost leak.


Did you relpace the fuel filter, and O2 sensors? For the bouncing idle I would start by adjusting your BISS screw, and checking to make sure the oring on it is good.

 

[spyderdrifter]

True, not a turbo car, but it still applies. Any additional air will throw off the idle. Adjusting the biss is not the first thing to check. It should be last. If you adjust that and still have a leak, the adjustment becomes pointless. I agree with checking its o-ring, but not adjusting it right away.

 

[ClayCarCrash]

Its NT so its not a boost leak.


Did you relpace the fuel filter, and O2 sensors? For the bouncing idle I would start by adjusting your BISS screw, and checking to make sure the oring on it is good.

I have a fuel filter and new fuel injectors in the mail. It had a new fuel pump put on it just before I got it. I've been wanting to check the O2 sensor, but wouldn't that make a check engine light on the dash?

 

[DSM_Ant]

I would look over all the brake lines and calipers if it Sat for a decent amount of time.

 

[gsxeclipse102]

Check your intake pipe for splits/holes. Surging idle can be either your fiav (fast idle air valve) or your isc(idle speed control) gone bad. Isc can be tested but you will need a multimeter. A lazy o2 sensor will not throw a cel. Only a dead one. Theyre cheap enough just replace it. Also need to check your coolant temp sensor wiring(side of thermostat housing). The wires are known to become brittle/corrode

 

[gsxeclipse102]

http://www.oocities.org/motorcity/downs/7678/dsmtests.html

Good place to start