An engine's idle condition is important for proper vehicle operation. A fuel
injected engine's idle speed is controlled by the
IAC motor. This motor
controls a plunger or valve that opens and closes a vacuum port in turn controlling
the engine idle speed. But there are conditions where the IAC motor cannot control
the engine idle speed. We have listed the most common reasons below:
Car Repair Information Guide
Step 1 - Anytime you have a problem with electronically controlled
components such as an engine, transmission, ABS brake, or SRS (supplemental restraint
system, air bag) inspect all fuses
using a test light.
Check the under hood power distribution center and under dash fuse panels. If all
fuses test okay continue to the next step.
Step 2 - There are two types of high idle conditions, computer
controlled and non-computer controlled malfunctions. To check for problems with
electronically controlled components such as an engine, transmission, ABS brake,
or SRS (supplemental restraint system, air bag) after the fuses have been tested
a trouble code scan tool is needed to identify system troubles. Use a simple scanner
tool to retrieve trouble codes to check if they relate to the specific problem,
like an IAC motor failure code. If a trouble code is present but does not pertain
to the immediate problem like an EVAP code ignore it until a later time, after the
engine is running properly. The reason we repair non-related codes after the engine
is running properly is because sometime false codes can be triggered by a malfunctioning
engine. Once the engine is running properly the code might cycle, and turn itself
off. If no trouble codes are present proceed to the next step.
Step 3 - Your engine is designed to operate with a prescribed
amount of vacuum. If vacuum
is allowed to leak it can cause a high idle condition. Check for broken or dilapidated
vacuum hoses on and around the engine. Your car's engine is designed to run on a
system that can hold vacuum. Vacuum hose are typically connected to the engine intake
manifold or throttle body and will supply engine vacuum to various accessories like
power brakes and cruise control. Some manufactures like Ford are designed with a
larger vacuum transfer hose that connects the intake manifold to the IAC (idle air
control) motor. If broken or dilapidated these vacuum lines can cause the engine
to lose vacuum which will allow the engine to idle high.
Inspect all engine and
accessory vacuum lines to look for missing, torn or dilapidated lines and replace
as needed. Also start the engine and while it is running listen for any whistling
noise coming from the engine that is not usually present. Follow the noise and inspect
vacuum lines in that area. When the engine is running it will pull a broken piece
of the hose inward to create a larger vacuum leak. Check the integrity of all vacuum
hoses at each end of the hose, typically this is where a vacuum hose fails. If all
vacuum hoses check "okay" proceed to the next step.
Step 4 - The throttle
body of your engine controls the secondary air intake for the engine. The
throttle body becomes dirty
with air contaminants that the
air filter cannot keep out.
This condition is called "coking" and can cause
stalling as well as an elevated engine idle
condition. The throttle bore in this illustration has been
cleaned for visual purposes.
Usually the throttle bore and plate are coated with a dark thin tar that needs to
be cleaned. One of the best product to perform this action is any aerosol choke
cleaner and a shop towel.
Cleaning Throttle Body
Step 5 - Some cars have an air intake boot or tube which is
used to transfer the engine's air intake. This tube is mounted between the throttle
body and the MAF sensor. If your engine does not have a MAF or an intake tube you
can skip this test. This tube and boot is subject to engine torque, heat and vibration.
If this tube or boot develops a tear or crack it will allow the system to become
lean causing a high idle condition. Using a flashlight, inspect the intake tube
and boot for any malfunction. Most intake boots will tear inside the pleat so look
carefully. If a crack or tear is discovered replace the failed part with a new unit
and recheck system.
Step 6 - An IAC (idle air control) motor is designed to adjust
the engine idle RPM speed by opening and closing an air bypass passage inside the
throttle body. An IAC motor can fail one of two ways; either the motor short circuits
and stops working or the motor will develop high resistance and cause the IAC control
motor to react slowly. Either failure will cause the engine to operate at an elevated
idle. When a trouble code scan is performed it sometimes won't always detect a failed
or weak IAC motor. To check the
IAC motor remove
the unit. With the wires connected turn the key to the "on" position without starting
the engine. The IAC should move in or out. If the IAC motor does nothing it has
probably failed. Replace it with a new unit and recheck system. Note: While the
IAC motor is removed clean (use
aerosol carburetor cleaner) the passages the IAC uses to control idle air speed.
If the IAC valve checks "okay" proceed to the next step.
Step 7 - The PCV valve
(positive crankcase ventilation) is designed to pull engine crankcase vapors from
the inside of the engine and burn
them through the internal combustion process. This valve is designed with a pressure
spring that determines the amount of vacuum allowed through the valve. If this valve
malfunctions such as the pressure spring breaking or carbon holding the valve open
it will cause the engine to "hunt" of idle or a steady high idle condition. To check
for this condition remove the valve and inspect it. The valve should have a spring
loaded plunger that open and closes with little force. If the valve has failed replace
the PCV valve with a new unit and recheck system.
Step 8 - The engine ignition timing for your engine is very
important. This timing controls the combustion process and if the timing is too
far advanced the engine will idle too fast. To check for this condition use a "timing
light" and follow the timing setting procedure for your car. Every engine is different
so you will need to consult your under hood sticker or a
repair manual to
perform this procedure. (Note if the timing is off but if returned the timing marks
to specification the engine has no or little power. Either the timing dampener has
moved due to a keyway issue or the outside ring of the damper had "spun"). Also
for timing belt style of engines, if the timing belt has jumped a tooth or has been
installed incorrectly. The cam to crankshaft correlation timing is incorrect causing
low power. Some mechanics will advance the timing to try and make up of this condition.
An engine with a timing belt "timing"
issue will have elevated emission outputs.
Step 9 - The sensors that monitor your car's engine are delicate.
If a sensor is malfunctioning intermittently it might not set a trouble code and
this is why. Let's say the sensor is failing intermittently about every 2 seconds.
The PCM program is
not designed to set a trouble code unless the
sensor fails at .5 milliseconds or shorter. Now the PCM is collecting data that
is false and adjusting accordingly. This false data convinces the PCM to raise the
engine idle. Unfortunately it takes a little more detective work to detect these
types of sensor problems. Using a multi meter with a zero BOD rate (real time) connect
the leads to the sensing wire of the sensor and ground. You will need a
car repair manual
to perform this test. I can tell you this, the
oxygen sensor (02),
MAF and
coolant sensors are
prone to this type of sensor failure.
Step 10 - Most cars are equipped with a
power brake booster.
This booster is designed to assist the driver by helping add pressure to the brake
pedal mechanism. As the driver pushes the brake pedal down the brake booster uses
a diaphragm and releases engine vacuum to help apply pressure to the brake system.
When this booster fails it can allow an engine vacuum leak causing an elevated engine
idle condition. To check for this condition start the engine and allow to idle.
Next use needle nose pliers to pinch the vacuum feed hose to the power brake booster.
If the engine returns to the normal idle range the brake booster has failed and
needs replacing. If the engine idle doesn't change the booster is ok.
Step 11 - The intake manifold and throttle body are designed
to direct the engine's air intake into the cylinder head intake ports. The manifold
and throttle body are bolted together using gaskets, if these gaskets fail engine
vacuum can leak causing an elevated engine idle condition. This condition can be
easy or difficult to find depending on the location of the gasket failure. Try this;
with the engine cold start allow the engine to idle. Next, spray aerosol carburetor
cleaner around the gasket area of the intake manifold or throttle body. If the engine
speeds up or slows down you have a gasket failure.
If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready
to answer your car questions.
Related Car Repair Information
