What causes the check engine light to come on when warmed and idleing

1988 BUICK CENTURY
156,000 MILES
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BROODY2008
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Whenever it starts, everything is normal, but once it warms up and isn't moving for around a minute, the check engine light comes on but will go away after a few seconds if i start to give it gas or it will go away for a brief period of time if i do nothing but will come back a few moments later if still idling.
Aug 2, 2012 at 12:33 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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could be any of 1500 different items. you need to have the code pulled and get back to us with the number so we can further assist you

Roy
Aug 2, 2012 at 12:48 PM
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BROODY2008
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What kind of scanner could I use on a vehicle that old? Most of the ones i see don't work on 1988's
Aug 2, 2012 at 3:29 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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its an obd1 stystem. you will need a shop to pull the code for you. they will most likely charge you for the service.

Roy
Aug 2, 2012 at 4:46 PM
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BROODY2008
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I used a paper clip to get the check engine light to flash me the code and i got 35, I found a page on this site saying that it means idle air control sensor circuit fault. Where should I go from here? I believe this is something i should be able to fix myself, I'm very mechanically inclined, just need to know what direction i should go in with this.
Aug 3, 2012 at 6:28 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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in the big hose to the throttle body is the iat sensor. make sure it is plugged in and the wires are not broke. if all is good, replace the sensor and see what happens

Roy
Aug 4, 2012 at 12:55 AM
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BROODY2008
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Okay, thanks!
Aug 4, 2012 at 2:13 AM