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98 xj - runs rough & stalls at idle

Old 10-06-2016, 10:03 AM
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Default 98 xj - runs rough & stalls at idle

Hello again,
Thanks to all that helped me fix my lack of hi-beams corrosion problem. Now I have this issue to correct so that I can put this old girl back to good health.
Prior to fixing the headlights, the CEL was on with a small evap. sys. leak code but it would idle without stalling although the idle was rough. After fixing the headlights the idle roughness is much worse and it stalls.

My plain of attack: Go over vacuum lines to see if I caused one to be loose or off. Once I get it back to the way it was before, I will then use Propane gas or either spray to try and find the small evap. leak. I can also rent a handheld vacuum pump with gauge for this purpose, if need be. Your comments please.
Richard in Vermont

Last edited by train.stamp; 10-06-2016 at 11:25 AM.
Old 10-06-2016, 12:20 PM
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Was it a P0442 code? If so, here is some information on that code for a small evaporative leak.

It is possible that the evap. leak is not related to your idle issue as small evap. leaks often have no symptoms. But always start and chase the codes. Once that code is resolved, see where you are at with your idle. If still idling rough, consider cleaning the throttle body and idle air control, testing your throttle position sensor, be sure your battery if fully charged and passes a load test and also all tuneup hardware like plugs, wires, cap, rotor. Good luck!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Common Problems That Trigger the P0442 Code

Defective or damaged fuel cap
Distorted or damaged Fuel Tank Filler Neck
Small tear or puncture in the Evaporative system hose(s) and/or Carbon Canister
Defective Fuel Tank Sending Unit gasket or seal
Small split in a seam of the Carbon Canister
Defective Evaporative Vent Valve and/or Evaporative Purge Valve
Defective or damaged Fuel Tank
Defective Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
Defective Leak Detection Pump
Slightly loose and/or worn clamps or hardened O-rings anywhere in the EVAP system

Last edited by tjwalker; 10-06-2016 at 12:32 PM.
Old 10-06-2016, 11:40 PM
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Do you have a vac hose running to a map sensor like on a renix? Once mine was off, but it looked fine at a glance and if that's disconnected it will run rough and likely stall at idle
Old 10-07-2016, 06:46 PM
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tjwalker - Not sure what the code is. A mechanic told me that it had a small evap sys leak but I failed to get the code.

2heapjeeps - I will need to find a link to the components location surrounding the engine before I can answer your map sensor hose question. Thanks to you both.

Today I did some testing around the engine with ether but nothing showed up.
I did notice that the stalling happened while the engine was cold. Once it warmed up the stalling disappeared and much of the roughness smoothed out.

Richard in Vermont
Old 10-08-2016, 09:46 AM
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I'm with Walker, clean throttle body, especially IAC motor, inspect and repair any necessary basic tune up stuff. Then recheck.
Old 10-10-2016, 10:55 AM
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I did clean the throttle body and IAC with ether and it seems to be behaving OK now (no chk eng. light on) so It now has a FOR SALE sign in the window. We don't need it any more and I for one will be very glad to see it gone. Thanks to all for your help.
Richard in Springfield, Vermont
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