noob car issues

[sittinsideways]

i have had my 240 for a while now, and when i bought it, it went into the shop and got the good ol once over. new plugs,wires, front tires, oxygen synsor..n a few other things. but now, its acting up on me. the rough idle started maybe a month ago, but it wouldnt do it all the time...only happen every now and again, but then it would get back to normal....not ne more. it had been sitting for a few weeks and now when i start it and it comes between 800-500 rpm and then sputters, drops down to 100-200 n then pops right back up, over n over again. n it does this anytime i'm at a complete stop, or when(its an auto) it puts itself into neutral. it could b the battery, the lamp in teh cabain fades on every now and again, something could b loose in the fuel department, possible carbon buildup from sitting so long.....i dont know.

also the wiper sprayers, for lack of me knowing their real name, dont opporate. i think it could b the pump. i thought it was fluid but its got plenty. i took the plugs out and took a look and there was this white gunk...dont really know what it is but i didnt know if that could b messing withthe connection, or it is there from the factory

any input you guys have would b greatly appricated b.c i wanna c if i can fix it before it gets to the point where i have 2 take it in 2 the shop

[HootAuto]

With the idle like that, I would say check for a vacuum leak first. It's free, I always say do cheap/free stuff first because I know people aren't rich!! Let me know what happens....next I would say an induction service, I just recently learned a new trick!!!

[sittinsideways]

i'm gunna get a voltmeter n check all the electrical 2. i dont know if in the chiltons book they tell u what is supposed 2 recieving how many wats, i no the alternator is supposed 2 b 12 or 14.

[nismoenthu]

totally sounds like a vacuum leak!....check it out

[sittinsideways]

ya my dad even said thats what it sounds like. so i'm gunna do that n then i'll let yall know how that goes