Idle Issues
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Rockford IL
Idle Issues
I am one of the few of us that drives their Corvette all year round here in Chicago. My issue is when it is below around 15ish degrees I have to idle the car until it warms up around 30-60 seconds later. It surges and acts funny and will stall out if I am not careful. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
I am going out on a limb here then and making a guess...based on what I've seen with our car...
I believe that the Ambient temps, Humidity, Fuel quality, Modifications if any, and maybe some other dynamics are involved...
Usually... when up to operating temps everything smooths out and is pretty consistent... except for idle at lights in town... sometimes it likes to shake a little or speed up and idle back down...
If it was consistent I'd probably be checking air leaks, grounds, MAF, spark plug wires, spark plugs, Coil packs...
If it's just doing something randomly I try and pay more close attention to where I bought fuel the last time...and if I was able to get NON ethanol. I believe it has caused ME some issues.
It may be taking the PCM some time to manage the air, fuel, timing .... when it's that cold... I know I'm a lot slower when it's that cold...
I think what your experiencing is a fairly normal C5 thing... but, I don't know HOW bad it is, or HOW consistent it is... I KNOW that these cars have some quirky little things that come and go... seen it too many times...
I believe that the Ambient temps, Humidity, Fuel quality, Modifications if any, and maybe some other dynamics are involved...
Usually... when up to operating temps everything smooths out and is pretty consistent... except for idle at lights in town... sometimes it likes to shake a little or speed up and idle back down...
If it was consistent I'd probably be checking air leaks, grounds, MAF, spark plug wires, spark plugs, Coil packs...
If it's just doing something randomly I try and pay more close attention to where I bought fuel the last time...and if I was able to get NON ethanol. I believe it has caused ME some issues.
It may be taking the PCM some time to manage the air, fuel, timing .... when it's that cold... I know I'm a lot slower when it's that cold...
I think what your experiencing is a fairly normal C5 thing... but, I don't know HOW bad it is, or HOW consistent it is... I KNOW that these cars have some quirky little things that come and go... seen it too many times...
Last edited by 73Corvette; Aug 27, 2015 at 10:34 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Some recommendations before you get TOO DEEP into the wallet!!
1. CLEAN THE MAF!
2. Carefully examine the entire PCV system fittings and lines for crack, leaks and deteriorated parts.
3. Look for air leaks and or damage between the MAF, the ducting and connections between and the TB. UNMETERED can and will cause that issue.
4. Clean the actual THROTTLE BODY throttle blade while you have the air intake system apart.
WHAT YEAR C5 do you have??
Your Intake Air Temp Sensor (IAT) could be providing the wrong data to the PCM.
You can use a hand held scanner that reads live sensor data and actually compare the real outside temp to the IAT air temp. Should be VERY CLOSE at key on cold iron.
NOTE! Early C5s (97-2000) have the IAT on the drivers side of the air bridge. Late model C5s incorporate that sensor inside the MAF housing. Its a tiny BUMP that sticks out of the side of the MAF.
BC
1. CLEAN THE MAF!
2. Carefully examine the entire PCV system fittings and lines for crack, leaks and deteriorated parts.
3. Look for air leaks and or damage between the MAF, the ducting and connections between and the TB. UNMETERED can and will cause that issue.
4. Clean the actual THROTTLE BODY throttle blade while you have the air intake system apart.
WHAT YEAR C5 do you have??
Your Intake Air Temp Sensor (IAT) could be providing the wrong data to the PCM.
You can use a hand held scanner that reads live sensor data and actually compare the real outside temp to the IAT air temp. Should be VERY CLOSE at key on cold iron.
NOTE! Early C5s (97-2000) have the IAT on the drivers side of the air bridge. Late model C5s incorporate that sensor inside the MAF housing. Its a tiny BUMP that sticks out of the side of the MAF.
BC
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Aug 27, 2015 at 03:39 PM.
