Hello everyone, new to Zukiworld, long time Tracker owner. Recently I bought a 97 Tracker 4dr LSI 2wd. First problem, the car wont start in Park, I can hear the starter click but nothin, if I put it in neutral, it will fire right up. The last owner just replaced the ignition switch, starter and battery trying to fix the problem (All parts replaced 2 months ago). Second, once it starts, and warms up, it wont hold an idle. It drives fine, but once you come to a stop, the engine will die. It will stay running if you rest your foot on the throttle, no missing or rough running. I've had it for a week, and I've only changed the oil, fuel filter and pads/rotors. Anything I should check out? Thanks!!

For the first issue you might check out the transmission range sensor. It could be the contacts for park are worn/dirty so you aren't getting a clean connection to allow current flow to the starter whereas the neutral contacts are still functional.

The second issue sounds like a bad IAC.

For the first issue you might check out the transmission range sensor. It could be the contacts for park are worn/dirty so you aren't getting a clean connection to allow current flow to the starter whereas the neutral contacts are still functional.

The second issue sounds like a bad IAC.

Ok, I tried to adjust the neutral center line on the range selector but no help. So I'll have to add that to my do to list. And the IAC, when I start the thing cold it idles up to about 1500rpm, and drops as it warms up, but once the rpm starts to go under 1k, it wont stay idling. The idle kicks up when I turn the AC on, and I even unplugged the IAC and the engine light doesn't turn on. I took the IAC off and it looks to be clean, also removed EGR and that is also clean. 

 Ok, so I removed the safety switch and it was dirty and worn inside, I was able to clean it up and now the Tracker starts in Park. But still has the idle problem. I removed the MAF, IAC and EGR and nothing seemed TO dirty, Tracker still starts up just fine and idles smooth. But once it gets warm, it just dies still.

Hopefully it is not the computer.  Have you looked to see if any capacitors were blown?

Hopefully it is not the computer.  Have you looked to see if any capacitors were blown?

No, I haven't removed the computer yet. I repaired arcade cabinets when I was younger, so replacing a cap is easy. I'll take it out and check it tonight.

 Removed ECU, board is clean, caps are all ok. Hmm...

 UPDATE

 I cut the fuel filter open and I noticed it had some fine sparkles in it. Also, I ran the Tracker for 20 minutes, idling. Turning head lights on, AC on and off. And no idle problem, it actually idles pretty smooth. Its when I turn it off, wait a few minutes then go to restart the Tracker it starts to act up, it starts up just fine, but shuts off. The idle does raise when I turn the AC on and such. Still no engine lights.

Throttle body

That is pretty nasty...did you have any improvement after cleaning it?

 Finally brought the Tracker out of the driveway, after replacing the valve cover gasket and cleaning the throttle body. Drove the Tracker 40 miles today, didnt miss a beat. Didn't die or struggle. I guess everything is fixed!!! Seems like there is a oil leak still at the rear of the motor, seems to be near dizzy

 Just checked for codes, has a P0400, EGR low pressure code =\ EGR is good though, when its running and I apply vac to the EGR the egr stumbles

If the egr works when you apply vacuum, you may want to check your hoses to see if it's receiving good signal.

Assuming your egr is good, the fsm says inspect your map sensor hose and wiring. If that's fine, I'd just clear the code and see if it comes back.

If the egr works when you apply vacuum, you may want to check your hoses to see if it's receiving good signal.

Assuming your egr is good, the fsm says inspect your map sensor hose and wiring. If that's fine, I'd just clear the code and see if it comes back.

I applied vacuum to the EGR while the Tracker was running, the engine started to stumble and almost died. So I assumed its working correctly. I removed the egr and the tube going to the intake manifold anyways, and they didnt seem all that dirty. I had this problem on my 90' Tracker, it wouldnt pass smog due to high NOX. I removed the vacuum modulator, and ran a vacuum line straight from the solenoid to the EGR and it was able to pass. But I know the ODBII system is alittle more sensitive 

 I was checking the EGR valve solenoid and noticed I can blew through it in each direction, but the black valve right next to it, I cannot. This makes me think when the engine is making vacuum, and that valve isnt closed maybe causing the EGR to open slightly?