2000 Oldsmobile Alero FAST IDLE, SHAKING AND DYING

Has the check engine light come on? Also, have you checked fuel pump pressure? Have you checked for vacuum leaks? EGR valve, IAC?

Thanks for replying. The check engine light has NOT come on. Nothing else yet has been checked. I've also heard it could be the fuel pressure regulator, fuel rail, fuel injectors or the PCV valvue.
Please continue to help - I need it.
Thank-you!!

Glad to help. I would start by checking for vacuum leaks, fuel pressure, and then the IAC. The IAC is responsible for maintaining idle, so it is second only to a vacuum leak. Keep in mind, the EGR could be causing a vacuum leak.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Joe,
Thanks once again for replying. It is truly appreciated. One last thing of you don't mind - it completely slipped my mind when I last replied, I have too much on my mind at this time. The Alero was sitting for 3 weeks AFTER the above cited fast ideling, shaking and dying when I started it up to check if the battery was holding up, and when I started the car up I initially smelled a strong smell of gas and gray smoke also initially came out of the tailpipe. How does this fit into the equation of the problems of the car, and how likely is there a fuel injector or PCV valvue problem.
Once again thanks and I let you know what I eventually find out is wrong with the Alero.
John

The gray smoke has me a little concerned. Did it go away? Has it come back?

Here are my concerns:

1) The gray smoke could simply be the result of a rich fuel mixture. However, a very rich mixture usually produces black smoke.

2) If the car sat for that long, it may have been condensation.

3) Where did you notice the smell coming from, under the hood or from the rear of the vehicle?

4) White smoke on start up usually indicates coolant getting into the combustion chamber and burning with the gas. Have you noticed that the coolant level is low or have you checked the oil to see if there is any creamy substance mixed in that would indicate coolant getting past the head gasket and into the engine?

Let me know.

Joe

Joe,
The smell of the gas was from the rear of the car, tailpipe area, and the gray smoke lessened over a 5 minute period the car was on but didn't disappear. I shut the car off after 5 minutes a few days ago and haven't turned in back on since.
Thank-you once again.
John

Restart it and see if the smoke is white and check the coolant level.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Joe,
I'll have someone start the car ASAP and check the coolant level and color of the oil. One of my other problems is the car is in L.A. and I'm here in Sacramento - but like I said, I'll have someone start it ASAP and let you know what happened.

Let me know what you find. Also, have them check the coolant level as well as the oil...

Take care,
Joe

Joe,
The Alero won't be able to be started up for about a week. If it's OK with you, I'll then let you know what I further can find out about it.
Thank-you once again for your sincere, repeated help.
John

John,
Not a problem. Let me know when you get to it. I'm glad to help.

Joe