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Poor Idle and stalling at junctions

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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 02:40 AM
  #1  
bearferret's Avatar
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From: UK
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5
Default Poor Idle and stalling at junctions

I'm new to owning a Jeep, have a Jeep Cherokee 2.5 (petrol), as far as I can tell its all factory standard.
Sometimes, but not always, my Cherokee will stall at a junction or idle really low (300rpm or less), threatening to stall. We changed the HT leads and spark plugs, which helped a bit. I'm suprised it was still running the state of the leads and plugs, but it didnt completely stop it happening.
Also occassionally it will idle at about 1500rpm.
Then there are other times when I get a normal idle speed of 750 ish. There doesnt seem to be any pattern apart from if I slow down to a junction from a highish speed it is ok, but if I slow down and am then stuck in traffic it idles low and stalls more regularly.
Any thoughts and non techy advice greatly appreciated.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 07:31 AM
  #2  
als98xj's Avatar
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 198
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From: Newport, NC
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L
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Tell us more about her, time on the clock. Sounds like she may have been sitting for a while unattended, the fuel may be gunky or just a bit dirty. Mine was, I've been using fuel additive at fill ups my conditions are improving. You also might try some throttle body cleaner to spray directly inside the throttle body. Good luck, have fun. Let us know your progress.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 08:16 AM
  #3  
bearferret's Avatar
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From: UK
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5
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That sounds like it could be the problem. I've had the Cherokee since February and it was sat on the garage forecourt for about a year before I bought it.
She's done 84,000 miles, not sure about cam belt change so that's probably gonna need doing anytime now.
Will try additive and speak to my other half about throttle body cleaner.
Thanks for the tips.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 10:40 AM
  #4  
dukie564's Avatar
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From: Aberdeen, MD
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO I-6, 703 Injectors, Brown Dog Super Engine Mounts
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sounds like your IAC needs a good cleaning. Get some "sensor safe" throttle body cleaner and clean your throttle body and the IAC hole really well. Also grab some seafoam and run a can through the intake manifold (use the brake booster hose).
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