Quote:
Originally Posted by Cloud
Engine code P1519. They recommended that I update the computer, which they did, and I drove it off. They also said that if the problem reoccured, I would have to replace the PCM (computer); to the tune of about $1,000.
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At what point does he read the manual? DTC 1519 reports a Idle Air Control Valve Circuit Failure. How curious. That is also what your sputtering engine is doing. If the valve is stuck open, then too much air is leaking into the intake.
The valve is controlled by coolant. A cold engine must run faster. When the engine gets warm, then the valve must close so that the engine idles at a slower speed.
So what did he do? Updating a computer is equivalent to the computer tech who constantly updates the BIOS. He does it because it is easy, does not require thinking through a problem, and actually does nothing. It is called shotgunning. Just keep replacing things until something works. Replace the easy things so that thinking need not be done.
Intermittently sputtering especially at the point which coolant finally obtains maximum hot explains a periodically stuck Idle Air Control Valve would cause. How curious. The computer also identifies a failed Idle Control Valve. Located where the throttle cable connects to a pipe from air cleaner. The Control valve is just after the throttle plate - where the throttle cable connects to and rotates that plate. Easy to access. Easy to test.
Does the mechanic know the problem is intermittent? A symptom that is important. Does it happen just as the car is getting to full hot coolant temperature? When it happens further defines the suspect.
When you take your computer to a repair shop, does he automatically replace the power supply and blame it on no surge protector? He is just replacing parts in a desperate hope that the problem will be solved or disappear. It is also called shotgunning.
BTW is your coolant level full? Did you recently have the anti-freeze flushed (which must be done every two years or else the glycol eats engine parts). Low coolant and the resulting air bubble that rises to the back of the engine can also cause this problem.
A replacement control valve is maybe $250. Checking the coolant level? Priceless - near zero dollars.
Airliners crash more often than a PCM fail. Most PCM failures (from companies that were letting the engineers design them which GM was not) are mechanics doing shotgunning because electricity is just too confusing.