For some reason my car keeps shutting off at idle.

A few days ago, I was pulling into work, and my car started idling really bad. As I was pulling into a parking spot, the car just died. Turned the car back on, started up fine, but had a really bad idle. Let it idle for about a minute and it would shut off. I went into work, and came out for lunch to drive my car over to my parents house, and it drove fine, not hesitations.

My dad has looked at it, and has found that if you hold the throttle open for a bit, and then let the engine idle the engine will start misfiring, and running rough.

He has checked the fuel pump, and it appears to be giving a good pressure read out.

What are some other areas I can check on, or look into?

Thanks

 

Is the CEL on?

First check the spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor. Next clean the IACV on the throttle body.

 

I believe all ignition items have been checked, P, W, D, C and R.

How does one clean the IACV, discussing with a few people, that this only controls idle, and wouldn't account for the rough misfire, after holding the throttle open for a while. When testing to see see what the car is trying to do.

 

Is the CEL on?

How old are the P, W, DC, and R? Also, have you checked the ignition timing with a timing gun?

I was thinking that you might have both an idle and a misfire problem, so I also suggested that you clean IACV.

 

Gotcha, the ignition system is in various parts about 4 years to 2 years old depending on the part.
I have not checked the timing, and no CEL.

 

Those aren't young ignition components. Plugs are $2-3 a piece, so just replace them. Carefully inspect the contact points inside the distributor cap and on the rotor for wear and corrosion. If you don't want to replace them, then at least clean the contact points with some fine sand paper. Resistance check the plug wires. Ignition components are always the first items to consider when you have misfiring.

Does the CEL work?

 

As far as I know the CEL works, is there a easy way to trip something to check if it is working?

I'll check those, I have had ignition problems in the past, so I will check for that.

 

The CEL should turn on for 2 seconds and then turn off when the key is turned to ON(II).

 

Yes, it turns on, each time you turn the car on.

 

Are MAP sensors from 92-95 interchangeable?

 

Any way of testing a MAP sensor, with out getting a new one. I have one from a 94 EX that I could use, but it appears to be different since mine is mounted on the firewall, and the 94 is on the throttle body.