Idle too low?

[jamiholzbach]

I've been searching through every thing I could find on the internet(& manuals) but the only thing I find is if the idle fluctuates (hunting) up & down, or is too high. What should I look for if the Idle is too low(about 200-250 rpms too low)???

[jlevie]

Idle or hard starting problems are most commonly caused by intake leaks and/or
a sticky or defective Idle Control Valve (ICV). The only reliable method of
locating intake leaks is to have a smoke test run on the intake and crank case
and to test the brake booster with a gage and vacuum pump. The complete list
of possible causes of an intake leak is:

Intake boot
Throttle body gasket
ICV hoses & connections
Brake booster, hoses, and connections
Crank case breather hose
Evaporative control hoses, valve, and expansion tank
Fuel pressure regulator & hose
Injector seals
Valve cover gaskets & bungs
Oil filler cap
Dip stick o-rings
Oil return tube o-rings

While leaks in some of those can be found by inspection or by spraying carb
cleaner on suspect areas, not finding leaks that way doesn't eliminate the
possibility. Only a smoke test will really work.

Once the possibility of intake leaks is eliminated, the ICV needs to be
removed and cleaned with carb cleaner until the vane inside moves freely. When
the ignition is switched on you should be able to feel vibration from the
ICV. If no vibration the ICV is bad, there's a problem with its wiring or
connector, there's a problem with the TPS, or the DME (or Idle Control Module
(ICM) on an ETA car) is faulty.

For the DME (or ICM) to control idle, the idle switch in the TPS must work
correctly. The switch should close when the throttle stop is 0.030-0.060" off
the idle stop screw.

The fuel system should be tested via the suite of tests in the Bentley manual
as invalid rail pressure can be a contributor to idle and starting problems. A
simple injector check is to pull the injectors, jumper the fuel relay to run
the pump, and see if the injectors are leaking. You can also point the
injectors into a towel, remove the coil wire, and crank the engine to see if
all of the injectors appear to be spraying in a similar fashion. The best
approach to possible injector problems is to have the injectors cleaned and
flow tested. Since raw fuel can or will be released in these tests, have a
fire extinguisher handy.

While a bad check valve in the high pressure pump can result in longer than
normal cranking, if the fuel system is working as it is supposed to the rail
will reach normal pressure in a few turns of the engine. A weak pump, clogged
filter or leaking FPR in conjunction with a failed check valve can result in
longer cranking.

The O2 sensor can be a contributor to idle problems. The O2 sensor is a
scheduled maintenance item with a useful life of no more than 100k. If the
sensor has that mileage or more (or is of unknown age), replace it.

The AFM can be a contributor. If the vane doesn't move freely or the
resistance track is worn the DME may be receiving invalid data from the
AFM. And if someone has fiddled with the bypass air adjustment the DME may be
unable to stabilize idle. The bypass air adjustment should only be adjusted
per the procedure in the Bentley and with an exhaust gas analyzer. And even
then everything else associated with engine management has to first be
operating properly. If the AFM becomes a suspect, replacement with a good used
unit is the best approach.

Improperly adjusted or malfunctioning valves will affect idle and starting. As
can compression issues from ring or cylinder wear. A valve adjustment is
called for every 15k. A useful diagnostic is to run compression (dry and wet)
and leak down tests on the engine. Aged ignition wires, plugs, distributor
cap, or rotor can cause problems. Insulation does break down with time and
heat. And since the youngest E30 is going on 20 years old, if the ignition
system is original or the plugs are old replacement is indicated.

Although not usually a problem, a bad DME temp sensor is a possibility. That
generally won't cause an unstable idle, but can cause hard cold or hard hot
starts and/or a rough idle. As can problems with the timing reference
sensors. Although not commonly encountered, a bad harmonic balancer on an
M20B25 or M30 engine will cause problems.

When all other possibilities have been eliminated and idle or starting
problems persist, replacement of the DME, or if applicable the ICM, is
indicated.

[jamiholzbach]

Thank you Sir!

Some of these items on the list have been checked and eliminated, but you've given me some new stuff to look for!

[Gregs///M]

Jlevie, fantastic info as always.

[TG Goose]

Ever figure this out? Mine also idles too low.

I have done smoke test, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, fuel filter. TPS passes ohm test, has continuity at idle and near WOT. ICV passes ohm test and does seem to control idle, only its too low. O2 sensor is new. M50 injectors, tested before install, no leaks. Tried 2 different coolant teemp switches, no change. have hard wired fuel gauge, pressure is good, brand new FPR, all vacuum hoses are new as well.

Valves sound fine, could an adjustment help?

My car cold idles at 800 and warm idle is 600. No idle chasing/hunting, its dead solid at 600. Car runs like a bat out of hell, just want to raise idle to keep oil pressure up, drops to 16 at 600, has over 20 at 700rpm.

[squidmaster]

@TG Goose: looks like you're running a custom tune (from your sig). What's the idle set at?

[TG Goose]

Idle is set at factory, 750 rpm. I write my own tune. I guess I can adjust via tune, will update tomorrow with results

[TG Goose]

so i raised idle by tune, now it cold idles at 1200 and idle settles down to 750-800 warm.

Just seems like a band-aid, what if i was not able to write my own tune, how would you fix this?