i don't think i get what you're saying
okay, standing from driver's side fender, look behind (to the right of i guess from that POV) the cruise/throttle cables and there is a nut.
i took that nut off, now what am i looking for?

 

Do you have any CEL?
Check wires connection on TP sensor, MAF sensor, idle speed actuator, etc.
Check your air filter maybe it's dirty.
Check spark plugs and cables.

 

those are all fine, but what is an "idle speed actuator" ?
can't see if i have cel because i can't get it started!
edit: keep it started, not get it started.

 

The Idle Speed Actuator or whatever it is called is the little electric motor looking thing between the firewall and your throttle/cruise cables. One of your vaccum lines run to it. It should make a buzzing noise when the car is on. If that is dead, your car will not idle. You can see if it is getting suction by removing it from the elbow and putting the palm of your hand to the hose while your freind tries to crank the car.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (zoned019)</div><div class='quotemain'>i don't think i get what you're saying
okay, standing from driver's side fender, look behind (to the right of i guess from that POV) the cruise/throttle cables and there is a nut.
i took that nut off, now what am i looking for?</div>

OK, stand to the driver's side fender and face the TB. You see the TB wheel where the cruise and throttle cables are? Follow those cable down and they are supported by a bracket. The throttle cable ( the cable that leads to the throttle wheel) is held in place by two washers/nuts, one on either side, one if front and the other behind the braket..see them..those two washers/nuts are what control how tight or loose the cable is.

I wish I was there..I could do it for you in a couple of minutes..

 

cyber i think what you are saying is going to fix my problem, but i can't follow your directions..im confused, find a pic of a tb and show me what ur talkin about..i THINK i know, do i want it tight or loose (that nut)

edit: i took the tb off again, i tightened the nut that cyber was talking about but i have another question. unearneath the throttle cable (the green one) there is this little plastic looking thing on the end of a bolt and it has a prong with a small hole on the end of it sticking out. what is this?

 

That is where your cruise control spring clips onto.

 

this thing allows air to go to intake manifold when engine is working at idle (throtle body - shut).

Check vacuum hoses and wiring.
If I disconect harnes from that actuator my motor don't run at idle but run ok if I open throtle.

 

^ You see that pic, to the right of idle speed actuator, between the manifold and firewall will be a bracket connecting to the manifold that will be supporting the throttle and cruise control cable. There are two washers that hold the cable into place on the bracket..those washer (which can be moved with a wrench) tighten or loosen the throttle cable.

 

okay update on this...
i put the other aftermarket tb BACK on (this is how i have been running my car for a few months now) and reconnected everything like it should be.
still the same problem.
i've reset the ecu, loosened the nut cybershark is talking about, i can hear the buzzing of the idle speed actuator, and all the lines/clamps/bolts/sensors appear to be fine/tight.
i'm still stuck at school...
does anyone have any idea what the problem could be?
damn...