Expert: Skip Bollinger - 9/30/2007

Question
car starts then dies.  It'll keep running by feathering the gas.  It will only go up to 2500 RPM's and if let off throttle it dies instantly.  Did basic tune up, rebuilt carb, new injectors, check flow rate on fuel pump, seemed okay, any ideas?

Answer
Tim,
  You leave me with a lot of questions and a bit of criticism.. You don't tell me what size engine the car has and you say you rebuilt the carburetor and replaced the fuel injectors. The car can't have both.
  Let us see if we can't work together to make some progress on getting the car fixed. Please remember, I'm a Parts Professional, NOT a Tech.
  I spoke with some Techs today and most feel the most likely culprit is either the Throttle Position Sensor or the Idle Air Control Motor. Without knowing the engine size, it may have both or just one. Here is what I want you to try....
  First, find the Throttle Position Sensor and Idle Air Control Motor, if it has both. Unplug them and look at the connections and make sure they are good and clean. If not, clean and try driving the car. If they are clean, have someone start the car. With a NON METALLIC device such as a plastic screw driver handle GENTLY tap on the TPS and IAC. See if the idle changes for better or worse. IF it does, you have found the problem and replace that part. If it doesn't, I have done the best I can with the information you have provided. When the engine dies, is sets a code in the computer as to the possible problem. If you can get a code reader and extract that code, it would be helpful.
  I hope this helps. I was not trying to be rude. Your calling the Throttle Body a Carburetor is incorrect. I'm not doubting your ability to repair vehicles but you need to brush up on your terminology. If we work together in harmony, we can get this thing fixed. Keep in touch.. Thank you for your question. Good luck..
Skip