This engine has a fuel pressure regulator that is vacuum controlled and turned on/off by a VSV. Fuel pressure changes when engine is hot. Determine if this system is working OK.

Make sure the EGR valve is off at engine idle. The VSV for the vacuum hose to the system should be off at idle.

 

Ok i replaced the fuel pressure regulator. How do i check the VSV and the EGR valve?

 

Also, just to let you know, i was going to try and drive the car to work this morning, but it absolutely would not start. It was about 68 degrees out. After work it started right up, cuz it was 90 degrees.

 

So i just went out and started the car, and it started like crap and the check engine light came on right away. Only one code this time, but its the P0340, and i just replaced the camshaft positioning sensor...grrr

 

Yes, you sated you replace fuel pressure regulator.

Find the EGR valve diaphragm can that operates the valve and unplug the vacuum hose to it, then plug the hose. This should turn the EGR valve off.

Suggest getting either a hair dryer or a can of "freeze" cool. Freeze is a chemical which when sprayed on something cools it.

Then when engine cold and not starting heat up the cam, crank and other sensors and determine what happens. Or when engine hot and starting OK, cool the same parts with the freeze spray.

Did you do any work with the IAC valve? This valve controls idle and can cause hard starting. The valve is connected to the cooling system thus it responds to coolant temp plus electrical inputs from the cars computer. Its valve position is controlled by coolant temp and an electric motor.
controlled by the ECU.

The valve can be cleaned by spraying throttle body cleaner into the intake port. The internet has videos on this.

Don't know why the P0340 code keeps coming up.

 

Yes i cleaned the IAC. That didnt help, so i went to the junk yard and got another one that was in way better shape. Cleaned it up, got new gaskets and still didnt change anything. Should i just go ahead and buy a new one?

 

See private message.

 

First thing, get a vacuum gauge, and test the vacuum. My car had all kinds of weird troubles before it warmed up [tans shifting at 3500 rpms, wandering idle, hesitation from a stop], and it was all from a vacuum leak. After the engine/trans was warmed up it drove/shifted fine [except for the wandering idle].

I recently inherited my late fathers vac gauge. This gauge vs my gauge actually tells what the problem might be as the problems are written in the gauge face. The vac gauge said I had either late valve timing, or a vac leak on the intake manifold, and it was right.

I changed out my intake gasket, and the engine runs like a new car. Trans shifts at the correct rpms, and no more wandering idle.

Just find a Youtube video specifically on checking the vacuum on your car, and go from there, its easy.

 

Great info. Thank you! I'll check it.