First off ur coolant isn't low is it?

Has the thermostat ever been replaced? If not it's prob a good idea to replace it.

Have an obd2 scan done at a local autoparts store. Report back with the codes

 

maybe the idle control sensor or w/e its called. on my dads Taurus his went bad and it would idle high and sometimes take off into high rpms while just sitting there

 

2000 Chevy Impala 3.4L 6 Cylinder. Just hit 230,011 miles. My current situation is the car has a high idle, if I put it in drive the car actually slowly accelerates, I stayed off the brakes and got up to 35 MPH before I came to a stop sign. But when I slow down the engine seems to choke a little and the idle drops a bit for a half second before returning, very slightly. The engine is overheating, drove for 3 minutes at most and it was at 215 degrees Farenheit. Any ideas? Just throw a bone if you can. I am in high school and can't really afford another used car.

I'm thinking clogged catalytic converter. My son's car was behaving much like you described - very sluggish and running hot. We were able to get a new cat for about 150 bucks installed as I recall.

[Edit] Re-reading your post, I think I misunderstood how it's running. Does it otherwise accelerate OK? Probably not a cat, then. Do as g25racer suggested and get the codes read at the parts store.

Doug

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Today I took out and checked the Idle Air Control Valve, just an idea I had for the idle problem. That looks like it was replaced the day I bought it. I am planning on checking the thermostat in the next few minutes. And it does accelerate normally, the only difference is with the idle it likes to accelerate by itself a little. Thank you guys for your quick response and help, I will keep you updated about the thermostat.

 

When removing the IAC valve do NOT press on the pintle (spring loaded part)!! You will ruin it and surely will have to replace it.

To clean: Just spray with TB cleaner and wipe with cloth. I also used a tooth brush

 

That was one of the first things I heard about IAC Valves when I looked them up, the new thermostat and IAC (I decided since it's a cheap part should replace it anyways) is in and set up. Just have a few more things to button up, my neighbor who is a mechanic said replacing stats in these Chevy 3.4's are a pain, he's right... I'll let you know what the results are hopefully in the next few hours. Thanks a lot for your help everyone so far!

 

Well, the new IAC and Thermostat did the trick! The idle sounds a bit smoother too, maybe I'm just imagining it. Thank you guys very much for your help! If I brought it to a shop I would've spent half my college savings! Thanks again!

 

Sweet! And no prob

Report back if anything changes.

Keep the old iac in case the new one decided to die. Likely just cleaning it will work