So this is frustrating. I found instructions on how to set the idle speed for the car. You jumper 2 connectors on the diagnostic connector above the driver's side wheel. Start the engine. Turn the screw on the top of the throttle body til you get the proper idle speed. I did that and managed to get her car to idle perfectly at around 700-800 rpm. Shut off engine, disconnect the jumper.

At that point we went and started the engine. The damned engine started idling again at 400-500 rpm again. So freaking annoying!

Decided to try to perform the drive cycle tests anyway to see if anything would happen. Went for a ride and performed the drive cycle steps. Stopped at Shucks on the way home and checked for readiness. The same three were not ready, EGR, O2 sensors, and catalytic converter.

This is driving me nuts1

 

This makes me think that the EGR system is not up to task.
Check the vacuum line that attaches to the rear of the intake manifold and goes up to the firewall, passenger side. The thing on the firewall is the EGR boost sensor (as if the EGR would boost anything! - should be called manifold absolute pressure sensor). It opens only under certain conditions like when you drive on the highway and then get off the gas. One problem occurs when the nipple on the intake manifold gets clogged with deposits. Use a 2-3 " long wire and poke it open. Use new vacuum line if the old one is hardened.
Why do we get deposits there? The EGR is to blame. It brings exhaust gases around to lower the combustion heat which reduces NOx emissions. That takes you to the next step: remove the EGR valve and scrape out the passages and make sure the valve pindle moves easily. Get a new gasket.
That leaves the O2 sensors and the "cats". If the above measures don't wake them up you may bench test the O2 sensors (look for videos).
There are ways to clean and revitalize a catalytic converter. Look for Scotty Kilmer videos.

I am being dogged by the "cats" as well. I hope you don't have to replace them or even the EGR valve. It is so expensive.

 

Just an update.

Car has been taken care of.

I didn't do anything to the car on Friday. I got a call from my friend yesterday afternon with her telling me that she took care of the car.

She was so annoyed with it that she traded it in for a 99 Chevy Blazer. She said that she got 1200 trade in for it and she was happy.

Well at least no more headache for me!

 

That's innovative, LOL.

It's good for laugh, thanx! Don't know how reliable a 13 year old Chevy Blazer is! 1 year newer.

I just realized it wasn't your car! Thought it was.

 

"She was so annoyed with it that she traded it in for a 99 Chevy Blazer."

That's a radical way to deal with an issue!..........Don't annoy her, you might get traded in!

 

LOL! She is just a friend of me and my wife's.

I don't think she will trade me in.