AboutDavid Scott Expertise Questions regarding the advisability of different kinds of modifications to Samurai/Sidekick/Tracker or various kinds of off-road usage. I will not attempt to do more than provide links for questions about other Suzukis such as Vitara, Grand Vitara, etc. I may or may not give generalized advice for newer models, but have no experience regarding newer models, and will not attempt to give more than the most generalized answers for questions regarding vehicles later than '93 manufacture. I will however, if possible, provide a link that will help you contact a professional in your region.
Experience I've been a professional mechanic for over thirty five years, live in the center of the Rocky Mountains, and have been active in exploring the old mining/4wd roads for decades. I've specific experience with Samurai modification, because that's my personal vehicle.
Education/Credentials Thirty five years of advanced, intensive classes for experienced professionals only. Manufacturer seminars and training classes averaging four to six weeks per year. I'm now a professional heavy duty fleet mechanic, and no longer deal with issues such as MIL (check engine) lights
Expert: David Scott Date: 6/8/2008 Subject: 1995 suzuki sidekick jx 5 speed 1.6 16 valve
Question Driving last night ( I use my car for delivery of papers) car ran fine all night then near the end of my route when I would apply my brake the idle would drop and engine would stumble. I ususally stay in 1st or 2nd between boxes and coast alot, then I have 20 minute steady drive home where the car ran fine again, what can I check first? It was also rather warm about 70, if the heat might have anything to do with it but temp gauge didnt move.
Answer There is a device that controls the amount of air at idle, and is variable, and is controlled by the ECM (engine control module) The best probability is that the TPS (throttle position sensor) had a momentary glitch, and the ECM still believed the engine was at an above idle throttle position, and didn't actuate the idle controls. I only have manuals and info for carbureted and injected Samurais, and even thought the systems work similarly, the specs and procedures are necessarily different. If it doesn't repeat, fine, but if it does, whoever does the work will REQUIRE a Suzuki FACTORY, (not Chilton, or Haines) manual. The info you require is not in the aftermarket manuals, that's why they're inexpensive. I had an 89 8 valve sidekick, and had similar idle issues, and it eventually required a new TPS, and the factory's set-up procedure to get it to work correctly.
I could well be wrong, and it could easily be something else, as keyboard and CRT diagnoses are not particularly accurate at times, but that's my best guess. A SWAG (scientific wild-ass guess).
scotty
