My Mom's old car has 57k actual miles and I start and drive a short distance once or twice a week. Started fine a few days ago and when I backed it out of the shop it ran fine. Later it was a little hard to start and ran rough...died a couple of times but was able to drive it back into the shop. Changed the fuel filter and make sure it had plenty of fuel. Ran a "key on, engine off" code scan and it showed pass, but check engine light comes on when key is turned on. I also can hear the fuel pump run briefly.

I would like to at least get it running well enough to take it to a "real" mechanic.

Anyone out there have any ideas what I could try....anything that happens fairly often?

Thanks a lot

 

I sprayed some intake cleaner in and around the butterfly and was able to get the car started, but it ran VERY rough and finally died. The car would not get beyond an idle and would die each time I tried to accelerate.

The butterfly remained closed the entire time it was idling.

I had very little of the cleaner, but will get another can and see if it helps....hopefully will be able to get it to run well enough to drive to the repair shop.

Checked for broken vacuum lines and inspected the cap and rotor.

Tried to do a "key on, engine running" scan and came up with an "11" pass result.

Will still appreciate any suggestions any of you may have.

Thanks

 

You could do a basic tune up. New plugs and wires, new PCV valve, check all vacuum lines for cracks, new air filter, clean the throttle body using only throttle body cleaner, clean the egr system. When you get it running take it for a 2 hour long drive with a shot of Techron fuel system cleaner in the tank.

Be slow and deliberate and look at each item carefully. This could be a case of a lot of minor things keeping it from running.

 

Thanks Bluewind,
Even though I know better, I'm guilty of Not starting simple and basic...then getting more involved.
I appreciate your response