Symptoms: Car completely shuts down at idle/neutral (IAC/ISC?). Lights stay on and still have power to my CD player and interior lights etc. I don’t get power steering. Starts fairly easily but now is making a loud knocking-type noise, sounds like its coming from the head but I don’t keep it on long enough to make sure, it sends chills down my spine… Also there was a light smoke in the engine bay the last time I drove it. (I pulled over and towed it home)

I’ve checked all vacuum lines, spark plugs/wires, and in the process of checking the ISC. Would the ISC and harsh idle cause the knock/noise? I’ve read quite a few articles on this, but none of them mention anything about noises. The belts all look good, like new, as well.

Things to know: Last oil change <100 miles ago I added slick 50, I read on VFAQ that actually can clog oil lines (knock?). Just put in a brand new battery (Terminals clean and connected). I’m not venting my BOV, and my MAS is plugged in, however my BCS was not. Oil and Coolant levels are good. Was running 12psi.

Please share any and all info you can… I’m driving a Honda right now and would like to be back in my beloved DSM ASAP.

I doubt a bad ISC would be that severe. When was the timing belt last done? A tensioner thats going bad can cause your timing to slip a few teeth before major damage is done.

Do you have oil pressure when it is running? Is the noise louding than the normal lifter tick.

Have you pulled the timing cover to see if the timing marks meet in the center to help rull out if it jumped a tooth. It could have jumped at the crank, but that's a little harder to check.

Check the BISS screw and set the idle correctly (see the vfaq.com) Screw the screw all the way in counting the turns, it's usally close about 2 turn out. If the idle is not set correctly, if will die at idle. The oring on the BISS screw go bad and the screw will back out.

You won't have power steering if the engine is not running.

Ticking, or knocking? When you push on the clutch or brake pedals do you feel any vibrations that are consistent with the noises you are hearing? Put your hand on or ears near the valve cover and see if it feels like your lifters are the source of the trouble. I have horror stories with oil additives and “thickeners” to quiet knocking and ticking. Your ISC may be causing your stalling, but any knocking noise would probably be attributed to other “evil” sources.