Author Topic: bad idle (Read 20478 times)

jrobie79 · « **on:** July 07, 2008, 10:13:16 PM »

i cant figure this out, right after i start my car the idle sux, sometimes the car will even die unless i play with the throttle to keep it running, however after about 45 seconds it will stay on the next time I idle, say at a stop sign just when i first start it up. I replaced all the vacuum hoses and got rid of the TB heater plate, i change the fuel filter, air filter, valve cover gaskets, new spark plugs, i just cant figure it out, its almost like the car doesnt get any fuel at startup, i dunno what to check next, any suggestions please

xwill112x · « **Reply #1 on:** July 07, 2008, 10:15:46 PM »

bad sensor is my guess.
i think theres one like a throttlebody position sensor or sumem like that, could be it.

jrobie79 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 07, 2008, 10:18:43 PM »

where is it located, and what the specs on it, like if i used a DMM to get a reading, is this info available anywhere?

xwill112x · « **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2008, 10:26:15 PM »

eh, i dont know right off hand...also..MAKE SUREEE that there isnt vaccum leaks AT ALL..it sounds exactly like a vaccum leak.

shutter · « **Reply #4 on:** July 08, 2008, 09:45:12 AM »

I'm dealing with the same problem. I haven't had much time to really pin point the problem yet, but it's probably just your ICV. Try cleaning it. I'm leaning towards my fuel pump struggling to stay alive, but I've ruled out a lot of stuff so far. I had a complete no start to kick off my cold start idle joys! haha. Only once though, odd. Think it's my pump...

EN318isPDX · « **Reply #5 on:** July 08, 2008, 10:24:49 AM »

I had a bad fuel pump and it caused poor running condition and also a poor idle. It managed to run on 13 psi of fuel for awhile

jrobie79 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 08, 2008, 03:45:54 PM »

i used the throttle body cleaner trick to check for vacuum leaks, ICV was cleaned less then 2 months ago, and the fuel pump was replaced with a brand new one less than a year ago. i dunno where else to check for vacuum leaks.

EN318isPDX · « **Reply #7 on:** July 08, 2008, 03:56:17 PM »

Quote from: jrobie79;52950

i used the throttle body cleaner trick to check for vacuum leaks, ICV was cleaned less then 2 months ago, and the fuel pump was replaced with a brand new one less than a year ago. i dunno where else to check for vacuum leaks.

Take out the new ICV and clean it again. I got a brand new one and it ended up getting clogged up again (thats what i get for not dropping the tank)

jrobie79 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 08, 2008, 08:32:25 PM »

cleaned it out, same thing, which was is the arrow on the ICV supposed to be pointing as well, i dont think thats it however i just want to make sure. is there an idle sensor which might cause this, i was thinking to rule out the vacuum leak only because its only the first idle which runs like shit, after i drive and idle its fine.

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2008, 03:55:52 PM »

Dealing with this EXACT same problem. Below are what I have tried to fix so far with no luck. I am waiting on a new AFM. If the AFM doesn't fix it, I'll change the engine temp sensor, and finally the throttle positioning sensor mentioned above. It throws code 1222 which is Lambda. According to a few websites I've seen the codes listed the only things left it could be are the AFM, TPS, or engine temp sensor. Hope this helps you out.

Replaced/Fixed:

1. ICV (replaced)
2. Vacuum Leaks (did TB heater delete and replaced hoses)
3. o2 Sensor (replaced)
4. Plugs & Wires (replaced as part of maintenance)
5. Fuel Injectors (mustang 19#)
6. Exhaust Header Gasket (had a leak)

jrobie79 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 09, 2008, 05:24:42 PM »

getting the same code dunno what else to check, i just changed the plugs, ill throw my other m42 wires in there cause i know those are newer, looking for a cheap o2 sensor just out of maintence and maybe that will help, but other than that i dunno.

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #11 on:** July 10, 2008, 10:53:40 AM »

Doubt the wires and/or o2 sensor will help. My bet is on AFM, TPS, or engine temp sensor. Getting my AFM in the next couple of days, will let you know if that makes a difference.

jrobie79 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 10, 2008, 06:59:08 PM »

alrite cool, im gonna swap my sisters stuff in 1 at a time and see if it helps, her car has no codes and runs perfect

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #13 on:** July 10, 2008, 07:46:49 PM »

Quote from: jrobie79;53096

alrite cool, im gonna swap my sisters stuff in 1 at a time and see if it helps, her car has no codes and runs perfect

AWESOME! Let me know the results of this. I have had my car like this now for 6 months and am tired of it.

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #14 on:** July 12, 2008, 07:38:31 PM »

Just an update... add AFM to the list for not solving the problem... Trying Engine temp sensor and then TPS this week. Any updates on ur end jrobles?

1. ICV (replaced)
2. Vacuum Leaks (did TB heater delete and replaced hoses)
3. o2 Sensor (replaced)
4. Plugs & Wires (replaced as part of maintenance)
5. Fuel Injectors (mustang 19#)
6. Exhaust Header Gasket (had a leak)
7. AFM (replaced)