My car is idleing weird

[zottola325is]

For a couple of weeks now my car has been idleing weird and i thought maybe it was a vacuum leak but there isnt any. I then took the icv out and cleaned it up real good but it still didnt work. Would u suggest buying a new icv or is there anything else that it might be?

[paco1076]

How many miles on your car? When was your last tune up? Last time you changed the air filter? Fuel filter? We need some more information.

[zottola325is]

my cars got approx. 120,000miles and i changed the air filter about 2,000 miles ago. i havent changed the fuel filter, and it hasnt been tuned up since ive had the car. ive had it for about 4 months.

[Hamfisted]

Did you test the throttle position switch? They burn out after a while. Look in the Bentley manual there's a proceedure in there for it. Basically test for continuity in the switch when the throttle is closed, then again at WOT. It tells the computer the throttle is closed and turns over idle control to the computer. You can also unplug the TPS and see if the idle settles down. But with the TPS unplugged you won't get the bump in rpm when you turn on the A/C, and cold starts will be a little harder (you have to give it a little gas while cranking...). Test for continuity with an ohm meter (digital multimeter...) between the correct pins.

If you need the service manual download you can find it here: Service Manual Downloads






-Mike

[RexKing86]

Idle Control valve is probably dirty. Clean it or buy a new one. Idk where you live, but i know my car doesnt like the 0 to sub zero temps around here in Dayton, atleast until shes warm.

~Kingo

[heartbreaker]

wow, i ahev the same exact problem, on my 93' 325IS. i just decided to live with it because after a 10-15 seconds of idle it runs normal, it always seems like a vacc leek but only for a bit. strange.

[heartbreaker]

question for rexking86. where is the idle control valve and how do you clean it?

[PhatCat]

heartbreaker...check out this thread, it might help...

http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/mai...blems-601.html

[Dudesky_E36]

At 120k on the clock, your car is a prime candidate for replacing the O2 sensor, which can cause the rough idling. You may wanna check that out.

[atanakin]

screw all the assumptions, take it to the dealership and have them diagnose it for you. it can cost up to 100 dollars but it will be better than replacing parts that do not need to be replaced.

[SpeedInfusion]

its most likely the ICV....i need to clean mine as welll