Looking for some help on a low engine idle problem. My 2001 chevy tahoe has a 5.7L engine. My engine idle is around 500 to 550 rpms and believe it should be around 600 or 650 RPMs when idling. Does anyone know if the computer needs to be reset or is there a part I need to replace to maintain the 600 RPMs higher idle. Don't have any running issues yet but have issues starting from time to time.
[NOT 5.7L] 2001 5.3L low engine idle
- Thread starter phil57
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
It's a 30 yo vehicle that only you know the condition of and history of, too many variable factors to even offer a guess. I'd start with an evaluation of systems underhood, a code scan and a fuel pressure test for starters.
I would bet you need new intake manifold gaskets and to replace spider injectors with the MPFI setup.
Did that on mine. 100% improvement.
Did that on mine. 100% improvement.
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2018
- Posts
- 10,521
- Reaction score
- 15,268
@OR VietVet may want to chime in on this question.
2001 Tahoe came with a 5.3 engine and not a 5.7 engine. There's your problem.
If is in fact the 5.3 engine, start with maintenance. Clean the MAF sensor and the throttle bore and report back.
Post all the vehicle info in your signature so we can know EXACTLY what you have.
If is in fact the 5.3 engine, start with maintenance. Clean the MAF sensor and the throttle bore and report back.
Post all the vehicle info in your signature so we can know EXACTLY what you have.
You are correct, miss stated has the 5.3. Has 135K miles on it and replaced the fuel lines thinking it might have been the fuel filter, filter was never changed. Lines were too corroded to try only to take out filter in line so replaced them all. The low idle was around 500 to 550 rpms before fuel filter no change and about the same after. Checked fuel pressure when done, PSI at 65. Will try the cleaning you mention. Was doing some checking on fuel and air supply parts and see there is a throttle body sensor. Dose that need to be cleaned or replaced as well?
strutaeng
Full Access Member
Yes, clean the throttle body, it likely has carbon gunk inside.
Replace the air filter, and probably worth doing a tune up, if you haven't done so.
Does it have any other driveability issues? Is that rpm at Park or Drive gear?
Edit: No gawd damn spider injectors garbage on the LS engines! Lol
Replace the air filter, and probably worth doing a tune up, if you haven't done so.
Does it have any other driveability issues? Is that rpm at Park or Drive gear?
Edit: No gawd damn spider injectors garbage on the LS engines! Lol
Last edited:
Vehicle specs:2001 Tahoe LS, 5.3L, 4WD w/elec Transfer case, M30 trans w/tow package, GT-4 rear axle 3.7. ratio. VIN# 1GNEK13T71J287979
Do not clean just the outside of the throttle body/throttle bore. Get a new throttle body seal/gasket and remove the throttle body and clean both sides. Make sure to use MAF sensor cleaner and throttle body cleaner.
Watch some you tube videos of these processes. Not just one video of each. Watch 3-4 of each process.
Watch some you tube videos of these processes. Not just one video of each. Watch 3-4 of each process.
Go to your "account" and put all that vehicle info in your Signature. That way it pops up every time you do a response or post.
When you quote someone, you need to type a response.
strutaeng
Full Access Member
It looks like he did, but his response got put into the quote itself:
Oh...strange...I can't do a muilti-quote, so I did a snipit.
Thanks, will try throttle body cleaning. Doesn't have any other drivability issues, hard to start issues from time to time. We usually turn key back off and/ or leave it on run for a few seconds if doesn't start on first try and wait a few seconds, then fires up. Plugs and wires replaced at 100K. When changing fuel lines changed all vac system parts also due to easy to get at while underneath. Checked air filter and seems pretty clean. Thanks, will add specs on account in future.
Will do, new at using the site.
Will due, thanks for info.
strutaeng
Full Access Member
No, keep your OEM coil packs. No reason to replace them. They hardly ever fail. Most people replace them when they have a misfire and problem is usually something else.
There's literally thousands of these engines with 300k+ miles on the original coilpacks.
Aftermarket coil packs are more prone to developing issues than OEM...
Click on your username in the upper righthand corner of your browser. Click on "Signature" and enter your info in the text box. Click the SAVE button.
