my car idle is at 500rpm is this not ok? car shakes when i slow down as well!

[ben240]

my car idle is at 500rpm is this not ok? car shakes when i slow down as well! i just got this car and im just worried about the new love in my life. i just got the oil changed, cv boots replaced and a new doo doo pipe put on. thanks for the warm welcome by the way everyone!

[DjPantsSpecR]

i've been struggling with an idle problem lately. If i weren't busy all week, here is what i would do:

alright here is what i have done, and then i'll do what to actually do if that doesnt work:

locate the screw for the idle air control valve (IACV). its on the part of the intake plenum that is closest to the firewall. its hard to see, but you you are standing at the passenger side fender of the car, it will be facing you right at the baack of that plenum closest ot the firewall.

warm the car up, then turn it off.

turn this screw out a couple of turns, then turn the car on. note the difference.

turn it out for more idle speed, turn it down for less idle speed.

also you should really make sure the ignition timing is spot on as this will have some adverse effects to idle too.

I have mine idle at 650, but its an automatic. sometimes it will start to buck if its been at a stoplight for too long.

so then i would: take the IACV out and clean everything inside, or replace if that doesnt work. but what if that wasnt the problem at all?

you can test that by plugging the largest diameter hose that attaches to your intake (as well as the intake nipple). you then increase the idle by adjusting the throttle cable tension.

thats how i do it in my manual car, but then you lose cold start capabilities. however, if you dont mind that, meaning you have to heel and toe it gas just to drive when its cold.... it'll be all good. otherwise its just a quick test for a malfunctioning IACV.

however this is just a good first test, it could be other things

[emperor_lunchbox]

have you fixed the bucking problem?My car does the same exact thing and its drving me crazy. I have replaced EVERYTHING people told me it could be, except for the IACV. HAHA. If you have any suggestions please let me know.my email is:[email protected]

Sorry for the thread jack.

[DjPantsSpecR]

Sometimes, and only sometimes it will do this, and it only bucks once or twice and then it comes back up to idle.

I would at the least clean the IACV, as its not that big of a deal. my problem is not so bad so its not a high priority on my list.

just make sure your timing is on, and maybe you can experiment with tightening your throttle cable to add a little extra air where your iacv is not. not the best idea, but you can make it happen temporarily

[SOHCSE]

I had the same problem, removed tha PAIR and all is well.

[DjPantsSpecR]

i gotta disagree, unless you jsut dont know what the PAIR is

the PAIR is that big box on the driver side fender wall. All it does is allows additonal air to be injected into the catalytic converter to warm it up faster. it is an emissions device, and it should have no affect on idle quality. i know because i too have removed it.

[emperor_lunchbox]

and maybe you can experiment with tightening your throttle cable to add a little extra air where your iacv is not.

I am interested in this, How would I go about tightening my throttle cable?

[DjPantsSpecR]

simply what i mean is:undo the top bolt on the throttle cable bracket, and then you need to spin the lower one a turn or two, or three or four ( just keep trying), then re-tighten the nuts and then recheck your idle

you have to cold start your car yourself, adn starting it is a ***** soemtimes with no IACV, its good practice to just start it with your foot to the floor until it fires