so I changed the plugs today (just thought, I have them, why not try)..... now it smokes from the tailpipe as it sputters and dies. I hope it's just carb cleaner burning off.

 

If you used carb cleaner or pen/lube while doing the plugs then yes, it will sputter and smoke until that all burns off.

 

Yeah, I used carb cleaner yesterday in the throttle body and anti-seize on the plugs today, it hasn't really "run" very long..... getting really scared it's the head gasket. heh.... it sputters anyway. I hate this.

 

Are you low on coolant?
Burn off all the carb cleaner and then see how it runs, if you flooded it it will run rough until all that is burned off.

 

I had the same issue, i replaced my iacv, that did not fix it. I ended up having to get a used ecu, my idle circuit had shorted out in the computer. i bought a used one and had it programmed it at the rover dealer for $99. alllll goooooood. I tried everything too. new filter, pump, plugs and wires, oh, and DO NOT MESS WITH THE TPS. It breaks apart easy inside....dont worry about the water out the exhaust yet. mine sputtered, popped and farted to death when i tried to keep it running.

 

Did that just suddenly start happening too or was it gradual?

 

ok.... unplugging the TPS keeps the car from stalling out.... but the RPM ust keep going up and up and up in Park.... put it in Drive and they go down to 1000 and it can be driven. Anyone?!?!?! Reset adaptive values or coolant temp sensor?

 

A bad fuel temp sensor wont make your idle go up.

 

Sorry. The idle goes up and up with the TPS unplugged. With the TPS plugged in it runs rough for 5-10 seconds and then dies.

 

Like OKDGuy said you need to make a trip to the stealer and have the ECU reset to read the new IACV.