Hey all,
Just joined the board, very good info here.
Ok, before I take it in, here is the deal:
When I start the engine, if I have my foot on the gas pedal it idles roughly and shakes for about 10-15 sec and then dies. If I put my foot on the brake it idles rough for a few sec, then jumps up to about 1500rpms and idles fine for about 5 secs and then immediately dies. I just recently purchased this vehicle, they said it idled a little rough when cold, but this is beyond what I have seen previous. I can not keep the car running at this point, HELP!!!

 

Auto or 5 speed?

 

start with the basics. spark plugs, wireset, distributor cap and rotor, fuel filter, air filter, etc. then get back to us..

 

automatic, and I am going to run the "basics" gauntlet tonight, I will get back to you with an update.

 

sounds like you might have a giant vaccum leak. check all your vaccum lines and gaskets for leaks. if no leaks check you idle air control motor, the passage might be clogged. can you tell if it is running rich or not? if your map sensor went bad it will run so rich you can barely start it.

 

Agreed. I also feel its a vacuum leak.

 

Well I got her running again. Changed out spark plugs, wires, and cap and rotor. Still have a small amount of rough idle when it first fires, which goes away once the engine is warm. It doesnt appear to be running rich. I looked all over for a vacuum leak but didnt initially see anything. I am going to spend some more time under the hood this weekend and see what turns up. Thanks for the help so far!

 

have you sprayed starting fluid around all of the intake related gaskets/seals? also spray all vaccum connections and lines. the idle will flare if you spray a leak. the brake booster could also have a leaking diaphram