lately when i push in the cluch or put it in neutral the rpms will vary (bouncing) between 200-500 and onetime the engine killed. could this be a really dirty CIV or throttle body? it has been colder here in WI the past few weeks and coldest this past week. i'm guessing that might be part of it. but the engine is warmed up and still this occurs. ? any ideas?

 

i forgot to say ... it is a 98.5 2.8 30v QM ... and any help is welcome !!! i need ideas before i decide its time to pay big bucks at a dealer.

 

anyone anything ?

 

Start by visually checking throttle body: check position of throttle plate and cleaniness of assembly
Get someone with VAG-COM to scan your car for codes.
If no codes, check your MAF readings with VAG-COM.
Also, use VAG-COM to check the temperature sensor. It is to cause problems like this.

This is most likely an air flow problem but it could also be a problem with the emission system. I don't think it's an emission problem in your case because emission problems almost always cause the CEL to come on.