2003 Honda Element Engine idle speed

Tiny
KWOOD100
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 HONDA ELEMENT
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 141,000 MILES
I just replaced the starter on my 2003 Honda Element (had to pull the intake manifold and associated hoses and wiring). After reassembling, the check engine light is on and the engine does not idle proplerly. After the intiial warmup (which seems to work smoothly), the engine idle speed fluctuates constantly up and down. I cannot find any hoses or wires I failed to reconnect although I'm sure the problem is a result of something I did in the reassembly. Any ideas?
Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 3:10 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Hello
Thanks for the donation

It sounds like you may have knocked a vacuum hose loose. This will cause poor idle. Check the hoses that you didn't even have to disconnect, just to ensure all are connected properly. Post your results and I will follow up.

Hope this helps.
Thanks for using 2carpros. Com!
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
KWOOD100
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Looked for any loose hoses - couldn't find anything.
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
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Okay. You say the engine light is on, so to make diagnosing the issue easier, you should have the codes pulled. You can do this for free at most auto part stores such as AutoZone or you can buy a diagnostic scanner and pull the codes yourself, so you can use it in the future if needed as well. Post the codes and I will follow up.
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Sunday, December 21st, 2008 AT 7:41 PM
Tiny
VMDUMAS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have codes p1129 and p2279
the car was sitting for 2 months
i am stuck what to do.
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Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
DTC P1129 : MAP (manifold absolute pressure) Sensor Circuit Higher Than Expected

DTC P2279 : Intake Air System Leak Detected

I would suspect a vacuum leak around the throttle body causing these two trouble codes. Have you checked that area out very well?
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Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 AT 8:12 PM

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