Rough Idling

My 2002 Escalade tends to idle rough, particularly when cold. RPMs dip below 400 and then pop back to 500+/-. Often it'll make a constant pulsing revving sound -- again at low rpms. Have noticed the headlights and display panel will flicker too. It has stalled a couple of times recently when put into reverse so I'm finally getting around to researching the problem.

The Vehicle's at the dealer today to see if they can figure out the problem, but the loaner (also an Escalade -- a 2001, I think) exhibits similar idling characteristics. We've had our caddy for over two years and didn't notice this issue until this past winter.

Is this typical of GM engines? Curious if anyone else has experienced this.

i am experincing the exact same problems. the dealer nor myself can find out what the problem truely is, but one tech suggested that it might be carbon build-up and that i should have the throttle -body cleaned out. this can as a shock to me since i just had the 30k service done and this was supposed to have been done.

if anyone find a solution please pass it along!

I have a 2002 Escalade and had the same problems as you guys described to the point of stalling. The Cadillac dealer did a fuel pressure test and found the fuel pressure regulator to be leaking internally. They replaced it and the problem went away.

I had the same problem before, due to that I was using a K&N filter and the oil from the filter contaminated the MAF sensor and also there were some build up of dirt in the throttle body. Cleaned both the MAF sensor and the throttle body and everything was fine, no mor rough idle. Also, check your oxygen sensors, they can sometime make your idle change if they are damage, wet, loos wiring..etc.

try cleaning the throttle body. this may help
i had the same problem with my tahoe and cleaning my throttle body stropped the rough idle

fuel prices are up,
still using premium?
if so, probably not fuel related;
MAF needs to be sprayed approx. every 30K depending on high dust or humidity conditions.
it could be a leak down on fuel regulator, but not the most common thing. I would start with the MAF (use ONLY air intake cleaner, and allow to dry before closing up the air horn and firing), and a clean air filter.
if the pulsing still exists, check the belt, and have the alt. checked.

i am experincing the exact same problems. the dealer nor myself can find out what the problem truely is, but one tech suggested that it might be carbon build-up and that i should have the throttle -body cleaned out. this can as a shock to me since i just had the 30k service done and this was supposed to have been done.

if anyone find a solution please pass it along!

if your dealer is reliable, ok.
but I have worked at Cadillac (and do not just take my word), look up or search for a thread started by 'flatrater' titled :the truth about auto industry, or something like that ON this AF site (I think I saw it in a GM, maybe Pontiac):
if the vehicle didn't come in with this problem (at your 30K service) it probably was not performed, you were just billed for it.
sorry...