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Random high idle

Tiny
PROILLUSTRATOR
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 BMW 318I
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 153,000 MILES
Engine has recently begun fluctuating its idle, when the engine is cool the idle stays just below the 1 on the RPM guage, as the engine becomes hot when in the lower gears the idle either revs up to 2 on the RPM guage and hangs or returns back to the below 1. It can get stuck in the high idle or it will rise and fall randomly.


Attempts to resolve include:

replaced the spark plugs with correct manufacturers recommended brand

Replaced the oil with manufacturers recommended 5W-30

replaced oil filter

replaced fuel filter

removed part that comes off the air filter and cleaned it with carberator cleaner as recommended let it dry over night before reassembly

I regularly check oil and coolent levels

what exactly am I missing that will resolve this issue?
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 AT 8:29 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Inspect and test the idle speed control valve and MAF sensor
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 AT 8:36 AM
Tiny
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  • 7 POSTS
I have replaced the idle speed control valve. Is there a way to clean it without damaging it? What kind of cleaner do I need for the MAF sensor?
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 AT 10:48 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
For the MAF sensor use an electronic cleaner CRC
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Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 AT 2:24 PM
Tiny
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Ok I cleaned the MAF and the idle speed control valve with the recommended product my engine is now experiencing a rough quake in the idle at low speeds and my service idicator lights haven't gone out?
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Tuesday, June 21st, 2011 AT 12:26 PM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
OK, the Dr. Is in, give me the last 7 of the VIN so I can ID the car and zero in on the solution.
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Saturday, June 25th, 2011 AT 2:41 AM
Tiny
PROILLUSTRATOR
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
JF24368 I am now experiencing the stalling again. It seems to happen mostly once the egine has gotten warm. Sometimes it will start if I put it in 1st and hold down the clutch at other times I have to adjust the throttle other times just have to sit and wait. I am just guessing now but when my tank is above half the engine performs normal but under half a tank and I end up having to make adjustments to get it started. This is going on 5 months of trouble shootomg I starting to lose my patience and tolerance for BMW's. Help
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Monday, June 27th, 2011 AT 1:31 PM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
Check/replace the crankcase vent valve, PN: 11157501567
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2011 AT 12:35 AM
Tiny
PROILLUSTRATOR
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Crankcase vent valve replaced with a brand new one. Was running fine then once again once the engine was warm started fine but when I went to engage the excellerator the engine starting dieing I had to press down quickly a few times before the engine wanted to act right again.
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Monday, July 11th, 2011 AT 7:30 AM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
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Any fault codes?
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Friday, July 15th, 2011 AT 10:38 AM
Tiny
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  • 7 POSTS
It says inspection and is still showing in the yellow and red codes. I get the sense its gasping for air somewhere, it will sound clear no noises then if it does the trouble start thing, its sounds like its muzzled not severely but enough to feel it in the exellerator and a ticking noise becomes previllant in the lower rpm's.
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Sunday, July 17th, 2011 AT 6:18 AM
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
Are there any currently present fault codes?
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Friday, July 22nd, 2011 AT 4:46 PM
Tiny
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  • 7 POSTS
Only inspection
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Monday, July 25th, 2011 AT 9:27 AM
Tiny
PROAUTOTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 288 POSTS
Check all the small rubber vacuum lines. They get brittle and get tiny holes in them. Bad lines will easily do this. Vacuum lines are cheap, you can buy it buy the foot. If you can't see anything brittle, you can spray them down carefully and slowly with carc cleaner or staarting fluid. The rpm will change if it has a leak. You want to stay away from the spark plugs and wires though, if you have a misfire (spark). You can catch your engine on fire. Or just go and replace all of them now, your car is almost 15 years old, it's time. If that doesn't help, use the spray method around the intake maniflod and throttle body. I'm strongly thinking air leak.
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Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 AT 11:02 AM
Tiny
99RAM4X4
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Idle air controller. Within air intake system.
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Friday, January 25th, 2013 AT 4:46 AM

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