Questions and Answers

Chrysler Laser High Idle Q. Dear Sir , I have a 1985 Chrysler Laser Coupe. It has a 2.2 liter turbo engine. The problem is the Idle stays up high at around 1,400 rpm's almost all the time. Then all by itself it returns to normal when ever it wants to! It has an automatic transmission and has fuel injection. There seems to be no way to adjust the idle system at all. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jerry

A. There is no provision for idle speed adjustment. The Idle Speed/Throttle Actuator (AIS) motor, operated by the logic module or SMEC, adjusts the air portion of the air/fuel mixture through an air bypass on the back of the throttle body. Base idle is determined by the minimum air flow through the throttle body.

The AIS motor opens or closes off the air bypass as needed according to engine loads or ambient conditions. The logic module or SMEC senses the change in air/fuel mixture and increases or decreases fuel accordingly to change engine idle. The AIS motor also prevents stalling during deceleration by increasing engine idle when the throttle is closed quickly.

So the logical thing to do would be to check the AIS motor and make sure it is working. In fact I would pull it out and give it a good cleaning. There is a real good chance it's just sticking.

Manifold Pressure/Vacuum (MAP) Sensor and Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS) are possible causes as well. Best thing to do since this is a Turbo would be to use a scan tool to check the whole system. It would be the quickest and most accurate way to go.