My 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera is idling really high on startup and then we'll go really low and then sometimes die. It dies a lot at stop lights and the idle is really rough. It hasn't done it on a couples days. I recently replaced the engine control module (the thing that controls how much spark to give the engine) about 2 weeks ago and have been having problems ever since. I also noticed a couple days ago that when the car is in accessory mode the fan is not running. The fan is also not running when the car is one either. I checked the fuse box and the wire for the fan but everything is fine. Any ideas what might be wrong? Please help! I love my car and don't wanna get rid of it!%

Harvey N Tawatao

• 3854 Answers
• Posted on May 08, 2009

SOURCE: idle is too low, car dies, engine runs fine

An IAC (idle air control) motor is designed to adjust the engine idle RPM speed by opening and closing an air bypass passage inside the throttle body. The car computer or ECM (electronic control module) receives information from various sensors and will output signals to adjust the IAC motor in or out to adjust engine idle speed by controlling engine idle air.
An IAC motor is highly susceptible to carbon and coking build up; if an IAC goes too long without cleaning it can cause stalling and poor idle quality. Some cars are designed with a large vacuum transfer hose that connects the intake manifold to the IAC (idle air control) motor. If a broken or dilapidated these vacuum lines can cause the engine to lose vacuum which will allow the engine to run rough and die. 
Inspect all engine and accessory vacuum lines to look for missing, torn or dilapidated lines and replace as needed. To check the IAC motor remove the unit, with the wires connected turn the key to the "on" position without starting the engine, the IAC should move in or out. 
If the IAC motor does nothing it has probably failed, replace it with a new unit and recheck system. Note: while the IAC motor is removed clean (use aerosol carburetor cleaner) the passages the IAC uses to control idle air speed.

Good luck and hope this helps

SOURCE: 1991 Cutlass Ciera 3.3 low idle

Idle Control Solinoid Will Cause this with No Engine Light. = ICS

mike watson

• 474 Answers
• Posted on Feb 12, 2010

SOURCE: 96 Oldsmobile ciera runs great but dies randomly driving or idle

I would try replacing the ignition module located on the front of the engine where the plug wires connect.The ignition moduel is where the ignition coils them selves screw down to and a harnes plugs into.

SOURCE: im having trouble with my

is the service engine soon light on? sound like the vehicle has a lean condition. posibbly a vacuum leak.

SOURCE: 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera car runs then idles low and sounds like engine is dying

check the convertor for clogging. you can also do a back pressure test on the convertor to determine if it is bad.