Engine Jumping HARD etc.

My girlfriend has a 99 cavilier 2.2 auto.

Its a good car and has never given her much trouble.

Over the last year+ though, the engine skips hard at idle. Opening the hood and looking at it you can see the thing jumping hard. Almost like its mounted on springs... It has an exhaust leak but i dont think thats the deal.

Could it be timing? Check engine light is on as always. Mechanic said over a year ago that there was nothing wrong. Lately the car has also been almost dying at idle. The radio turns off, the lights dim etc. Everything electrical fades hard. I left the lights on 2 weeks ago and had to charge the battery up but its started up ever since.

So two funky problems at idle. One new one old.


Any ideas???


THanks alot for anny help

ben

I'd start by reading the codes. Also check plugs/wires, air filter, and look for vacuum leaks. Next I'd probably clean the Idle air control valve, and make sure the egr is free moving.

I'd start by reading the codes. Also check plugs/wires, air filter, and look for vacuum leaks. Next I'd probably clean the Idle air control valve, and make sure the egr is free moving.

X 2

Sometimes on the 2.2's the map sensor vac hose gets a rip in it and will cause a jumping motion. The sensor is on the front of the throttle body. Look and see if it has any tears in it.

Sometimes on the 2.2's the map sensor vac hose gets a rip in it and will cause a jumping motion. The sensor is on the front of the throttle body. Look and see if it has any tears in it.
Same thing happened on my 2.4, I was gonna suggest this but wasn't sure if it was relevant on the 2.2, or even in the same location.

good advise i'll check it out!

thanks a lot