Engine surging at idle, rpms are dropping. Please Help

[tjbean216]

So i have a 2008 aveo5, 44800 miles, that had been a great car until recently. The car surges at idle and tries to die. I've replace the serpentine belt, the timing belt and the idler & pulley, the throttle body, spark plugs and wires, the air filter. When i stick my head near the engine I hear a suction sound and smell exhaust. Could an exhaust leak cause the rough idle issue? Anybody else have/had this problem? Any help would be awesome.
I have an extended warrenty until 72000, but my local goodwrench shops have been no help so far. Maybe if i can figure out the issue i can tell them what to fix...
Thanks in advance,
TJBEAN216

[jayman]

high idle sounds like a vacum leak, not sure about the rest

[petrified.rabbit]

suction sound and smell of exhaust with rough idle sounds like a leak in the egr system.

[tjbean216]

Thanks for the replies. So no more suction sound, but I still smell exhaust and have that rough idle. It seems way worse when the a/c or heater is on in the car. should have them check the egr system still?

[tjbean216]

Also would it throw a code? Because each time I go into my dealership I'm told that no codes are showing up. Thanks

[thehunterooo]

The check engine light would be on if there were any codes usually. Who did the timing belt btw?

[petrified.rabbit]

could still be egr, could also be a cracked exhaust manifold..

[tjbean216]

Alright I'll have to tell the mechanic to look at those two things. Are there ways i can check at home easily? I like to do my own work, but i don't want them to void my warranty. @thehunterooo my local hometown shop did it for $80 plus parts. I think i replaced all of the components for about $220.

[petrified.rabbit]

things you can try before paying..

cleaning the throttle body yourself, they get gummed up. could be the surging idle, but not the exhaust smell.

check egr actuator for leaks, it will suck in most likely, mist it with starting fluid and see if it raises rpm (do this ONLY on the intake side, not exhaust)

mist the coil pack and wires with water.

check spark plugs.

thats about 30-40 minutes of work to eliminate a bunch if potential issues.

[thehunterooo]

Damn that is a good deal, did you noticed any changes with the car at all after the timing belt was changed?