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1999 Oldsmobile Alero GL 4dr Sedan

1999 Oldsmobile Alero
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 4 Door Sedan, Compact
22 mpg city / 30 mpg hwy
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March 20, 2013, 9:35 am

Kristie R
 

Question: My car is surging/loping.

car surges/lopes at an idle, will misfire to the point of almost dying and it causes the lights to go bright/dim in time with the surge. It seems to run ok on the road, but will die when backing out of a parking space. Code came up as a non-specific ignition problem. We thought it might have an intake leak, replaced the gasket but it didn't help. any suggestions


March 23, 2013, 11:46 am

Ron W
Expert Mechanic

Sounds like it is running lean. You'll need a shop to determine why. Some other ideas are listed below.

Your vehicle has an IAC (Idle Air Control ) valve. When it opens or closes it increases or decreases the amount of air it lets into the throttle body. By changing the air flow, it controls the idle speed. Yours sounds like it is not reacting.

It is also possible the charging system isn't working well and that's why the lights dim. Have the battery and charging system tested as stable voltage is needed to allow the computer to operate correctly.


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