Hi, i am new to this forum, i just purchased a 95 sidekick jx 4dr. w/100000k miles.  the check engine light comes on intermittently, and i noticed the engine idles pretty high. the previous owner said that he had to set the engine idle higher because the vehicle would idle really rough|removethispart|@stoplights and the engine would die. prev owner said he replaced spark plugs, and distributor, and has taken the vehicle to dealership for diagnostics, but nothing was discovered. any ideas? any help would be appreciated as this is my only vehicle for now. thanks.

Buy a book for it, take a jumper wire and run the engine codes per instructions, look the code number up. it sounds like it is running in open loop mode (computer not working)  it will take a pulse meter or analog volt meter to get the idle screw back to where it should be(again with the wire on a diffrent set of pins) It might just be the o2 senser needs replacing.

Could be the fuel filter, too.

The diagnostic plug is right in front of the battery - it's a plug with a rubber cap over it.  If you look on the hood, it shows where to put the jumper for setting timing - lower left pin, to the next pin over in the same row.

To read out your check engine codes, put the jumper from the lower left pin, to the second position (the first one with a pin in it) in the upper row, then turn the ignition to the "run" position (do not start the engine), and count the "check engine" light blinks.  For instance a 51 code would be 5 blinks, pause, 1 blink.  A 12 code (if I remember correctly) is an "Everything is OK" code.

EDIT:  Oh, yeah, I keep a paper clip in the glove box of both of my 95 Kicks, to use as a jumper, for just this purpose.

thanks for the prompt response!!!! i will try and let you know of my results. thanks again!

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EDIT:  Oh, yeah, I keep a paper clip in the glove box of both of my 95 Kicks, to use as a jumper, for just this purpose.

Funny Bob.  I keep a little wire with solid sodiered ends just for this same purpose.

~Nate