I've mentioned this before but I'll repeat it anyway. Especially since I just fixed one of these on mine...
Anytime you have irratic idle or any other intermitant engine issue check the charging system and all battery wiring very carefully.
The battery does more than provide starting power. It also reduces/eliminates large amounts of noise in the electrical system. This noise can mess with the ECM and Ignition module as well as make AM radio a living hell. (I like radio base ball.... It's only on AM here most of the time.)
My car has been running fine but every so often lately it acts up for no reason. I also had times when radio noise was worse than others. One time running a window up would be defining the next you wouldn't here a thing.
I did the usual check of the wires and alternator. I found a corroded spot in the thin + wire comming from the battery. I cut it then cleaned and soldered it. Finished with weather resistant shrink tube.
After the repair, noise from power window and other motors is gone. I expect the intermitant battyness from the engine is gone for good as well.
The thin leads from the battery (or the starter on 84 Fiero and some other GM cars) are critical for proper operation of the car. If you can't solder a connection, pack the wire strands with dielectric grease before you put a crimp sleeve on them. Always use weather resistant coverings. Regular electrical tape will not do.
If you use "repair terminals" on the battery, do the same thing, pack the strands of all wires with dielectric before clamping on the terminal.
The thin + lead is actually the one doing most of the work. Except for 84 Fiero, the big + lead only goes to run the starter. The thin lead runs the entire car and charges the battery. It's very picky about having a solid connection from end to end.
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Screamin Yellow Zonkers... If it's Screamin and Yellow, I ain't eatin it.
[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 07-22-2001).]
