idle problem

[Ivan]

after coming to a stop and putting the car in neutral (any situation where the revs should drop back to idle basically) my car stays at about 1.7k rpm, then after a second drops to around 1, and then after another second or so goes back to idle, like 750 or so.

so what could this be? idle speed control motor? how important is it that i get it fixed? i dont make a whole lot of money at the moment.

[Hamfisted]

Go to Walmart and get a spray can of Berryman's Chemtool spray carb cleaner and do it yourself for less than $5.
Here's a link to the Pelican article on cleaning the ICV on the 4 banger. The 6 is a little more hidden. Clean out the throttle body while you're in there.
http://www.bmwe36tips.20m.com/unstable-idle.htm







Mike

[Ivan]

i have a k and n cone filter in there, i have heard they are worse than stock filters and dont filter the air as well. could this be why the icv valve might need cleaning?

stupid k&n:

[kyle_baker]

Originally Posted by Ivan

i have a k and n cone filter in there, i have heard they are worse than stock filters and dont filter the air as well. could this be why the icv valve might need cleaning?

stupid k&n:

not necessarily, over time the icv can become dirty with any type of intake. it is normal that you clean it atleast once by now. this is a common problem, but not a very serious one. easy fix, just takes a little bit to complete.

[Ivan]

thanks ill check it out

[agtur2001]

I had the same issue... used WD40 on the cable links controlling the IDLE and Throttle...

Problem comes back after a few months... then I put more lube.

[vwk]

Maybe a strange tip... but DOES work...

Just be very, very carefull...

Take out your filter, have a buddy start your car... before you let the car start, spray in some pure ether... That will almost clean anything that's causing your car to run bad on idle.. considering it's in your intake, not the lambdasonde etc.

[Redbullrr]

I'm having a similar problem. The plastic screw for the throttle cable broke in half. So the car jerks in first gear and revs when I'm still. I broke it this weekend by accident, possibly due to old age. I mean this part is freaking plastic, I don't get why they would use plastic, when a freaking bicycle has them in medal for brakes. Anyhow, going to put some epoxy to get it back together, adn lube up the throttle with some Tri-Flow. See how it goes.

[kyle_baker]

Originally Posted by Redbullrr

I mean this part is freaking plastic, I don't get why they would use plastic, when a freaking bicycle has them in medal for brakes.

haha, thats a good point, hope you get it fixed. epoxy should hold it well.