Please Help? My car has just had the Pcv valve, spark plugs, air filter, and wires changed because it is running rough. When I put it in Reverse it sounds like it needs a tune up. When I am warming up the car or sitting at a light the cars idle will go up as if I stepped on the gas. At one point the check engine light came on and said I had a small exhaust leak and a gross exhaust leak. I cleared the codes and it hasn't come back on since but the car is still running the same. I took it to a really bad mechanic who said that I needed an idle air control motor. I bought the part but haven't put it on yet. Could this be the problem or could it be something else. I just passed smog so how could it be the IAC motor? Anybody have any ideas?

 

might have a vacuum leak. check the new pcv valve plugg the end and see if the car idles better.

 

I did it and noticed a crack in one of the vacuum hoses. I changed it. It is running better it doesn't over idle all the time now but it does still do it. What is the problem. I am curious could it be my exhaust manifold? I took it to someone who says that my exhaust manifold is cracked and it is due to my cat convert. I am unsure of that doesn't a clogged cat make the car not run at all? where would a gross leak be detected?

 

what kinda car? what codes did you have? Gross leak usually means evap system. a plugged cat will cause the car to have a serious lack of power sometimes the car won't start ( rare instances)

 

It is a 2001 Dodge Stratus. The code was P0455 (gross exhaust leak) and another code that said small exhaust leak. It now sounds like when it revs up on its on like a pinging sound in the engine. Like it would if there were no oil in the engine. I had a diagnostic done on the car before the AIC motor was put in and before I changed one of the vacuum hoses and the car is supposed to be between 170-220 and it read like this 1. 160 2. 140 3. 170 4. 130 would that have something to do with it?