So I am at my parents which is the only place that I can ever work on my car as they have a garage. A few days ago, my O2 sensor wire broke by accident as it was very brittle. The car continued to run fine although my fuel economy went to s***. Today, I checked the compression of my vehicle, fixed the harness for my headlight switch, and resoldered my O2 sensor wire to the best of my ability. Now...my car won't idle. I don't see any relation to the maintenance performed as to why this would happen. I triple checked to make sure the spark plug wires were hooked up right. I'm leaning towards the O2 sensor but is there any way it could hinder the car from idling?? I understand it is for emissions purposes and fuel economy. My car will start, go to 2000 RPM and then drop down and die. I can keep it alive with throttle but can't get it to idle whatsoever. I tried unhooking the O2 sensor wire thinking it could be sending a faulty signal and I checked for spark. I noticed I didn't hear the fuel pump whirring with the key turned to the on position but the car gets gas under throttle so that's out. I don't know where else to check. No leaks in the intake...getting gas....getting spark...now why won't it idle??? Please help. I have to get to work soon and I'm working 4 doubles in a row. These things always seem to happen at the worst times...

 

Maybe there's a vacuum leak (you probably knocked one of the vacuum hoses loose).

 

O2 sensor is ignored at idle.
It is not your source of your problem.


-Ted

 

Regarding the o2 sensor. you are never supposed to solder the o2 sensor wire.. it adds resistance. I learned that today... on another post.

But anyways.. always crimp it...

However, your problem does sound like a vac leak.

 

Thank you so much guys. I know there's so many questions like this and I'm sure they get annoying but I found the vacuum leak. The t-fitting by the brake booster had just slightly come out. It was unnoticable as both mating ends were black and they weren't actually apart, just ...very close. Again, thank you and hail the rotary.