Erratic Idle - Page 3

Apr 5, 2006 | 11:17 PM

#51

chudy

Registered

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

From: Boston area, MA

i just got my car back from the dealer and had the exact same procedure done!
my complaint was hard starts...i complained earlier about erratic idle (car sounded like its about to die, then rev up a little and keep going) but couple oil changes ago they said its normal for rotaries and not knowing any better ignored it, partially because i attributed the backfiring to my exhaust...

well now the car literally cranks ONCE and is on...its pretty funny to hear the whine and then the engine start right up after dealing with hard starts (multiple cranks or even 2-3 tries to get it going)

also the erratic idle is gone(!!!!! yey) and so is the tendency for the car to want to stall when starting from a stop; slipping the clutch is alot less needed now. the car doesnt have hiccups when idling and seems to run alot smoother...i couldnt be happier with the service and the results, its like driving a totally different car

Last edited by chudy; Apr 5, 2006 at 11:20 PM.

Sep 27, 2013 | 03:28 AM

#52

Apage503

New Member

Joined: May 2013

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

I checked the neutral switch as stated, with no luck. Dealer changed the idle actuator as they called it, and it still idles funny. Completely normal idle with clutch depressed, but as soon as you let it out it goes from about 900-1500 and so forth until I press the clutch in. Doesn't matter if it's a fresh start, cold, hot, or I've driven it for 2 hours.

Any ideas? I am basically riding my clutch to not have my idle fluctuate 600 rpms every time I let the pedal out.

Sep 27, 2013 | 06:33 AM

#53

TANKERG

Mr. Örange

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 1,491

Likes: 1

From: Seattle, WA

Which neutral safety switch did you check? I believe you want to check the white one on the side of the transmission.

Oct 16, 2013 | 06:52 PM

#54

artacevedo

New Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by socalightning

Rev-2-9k, did the new clutch position switch fix this problem for you? I was thinking it was ignition related at first and was going to replace the plugs, wires and coils. Changing gas and additives to clean the chambers did nothing to improve the idle.

My car now at 22k miles, is experiencing this hunting idle. Tonight it was really bad as I drove my car cold from one building in my office park to another (still cold) and then parked. I noticed the idle fluctuate to 1500 or so and then drop back down with a worrysome vibration.

It did this over and over, but when I depressed the clutch it stopped and idled regularly. ...I released the clutch and the fluctuation returned. I repeated this a few times wondering what the clutch position has to do with the idle speed when I'm in neutral. I then shut off the car to continue my errand.

For about the last 3-4 weeks, I've noticed a similar, but less severe, hunting idle about 10 minutes after cold start, usually when I'm stopped at a traffic signal. The idle would go up and down between 800 and 1500 or so exactly 3 times and then idle regularly - no vibration though till tonight's episode (the engine temp was much colder tonight).

Sorry to bring an old thread, but I am having the exact same issue with the idling between 800 and 1500 and then stopping when clutch is engaged. Do you find a solution to this?

Thanks!