Questions and Answers

Chevy Beretta Has Surges Q. Hi Vince, I own a 1988 Chevy Beretta with close to 230,000 kilometers on it. It's a 2.8 liter V-6 automatic with A/C that doesn't work. The heater also doesn't work. Its not the heat and A/C I'm worried about but I am concerned about how when I'm at idle the rpms surge up and down. It's stalled on me twice since I've had it (about a year) while I've been waiting for a light.

Both times I gave it some time to cool down and it started up again. I took it in to get it looked at and was told that I need a new Idle Air Control Valve. I followed the instructions that came with my new IAC valve and installed it myself. This didn't help at all.

I kind of expected that because I was told that new IAC valves are self learning and that it can take a while to notice a difference. Its been about six months now. I don't know if this will help you but I also notice that when it starts to surge at idle the heat gauge will begin to slowly rise.

One more additional note, I've recently had the radiator replaced and with that came a new radiator cap, thermostat, and a couple new hoses. Still no improvement. I'm hoping you can help me.

Thanks in advance,
Matt

A. This model year is known for the ECM going bad and this will affect the cooling fan as well as other symptoms. When it acts up, remove the glove box and try tapping on the computer which is bolted to the right side kick panel. If the engine sputters or starts running okay, The ECM is going bad intermittently.