car's idle behavior spontaneously changed
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
car's idle behavior spontaneously changed
a couple of weeks ago my car's idle behavior changed abruptly and spontaneously. its been like that ever since. the car used to idle around 1000 after a cold startup then quickly slow to 725 (usually several seconds after startup). while moving with the clutch in it would idle between 850 and 725.
now suddenly it maintains 1500 or so on a cold startup and it stays at the high idle for a while, probably a few minutes while the car warms up. if I push the clutch in while moving it will go to 1100-1200 until I come to a complete stop, then if the car is warm, it will drop down to the normal 725 idle.
I like this, the car actually drives better this way, it warms up better and with a UDP and cam a slightly higher idle isn't a bad thing, I'm just wondering what made it do this? the weather was the same before and after. the only thing I can think of is that I did a TB coolant bypass right before I noticed the change. I haven't read about anyone else noticing this. could that be it? that's really strange. I'm thinking its just a coincidence though.
I think its a good thing, but what would cause this?
now suddenly it maintains 1500 or so on a cold startup and it stays at the high idle for a while, probably a few minutes while the car warms up. if I push the clutch in while moving it will go to 1100-1200 until I come to a complete stop, then if the car is warm, it will drop down to the normal 725 idle.
I like this, the car actually drives better this way, it warms up better and with a UDP and cam a slightly higher idle isn't a bad thing, I'm just wondering what made it do this? the weather was the same before and after. the only thing I can think of is that I did a TB coolant bypass right before I noticed the change. I haven't read about anyone else noticing this. could that be it? that's really strange. I'm thinking its just a coincidence though.
I think its a good thing, but what would cause this?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I agree. Look for a vacuum leak. I didn't look at the year of your car, but if you have one, check the PCV valve connection tube to the intake. They can and will develop holes on their bottom sides where you don't see them.
