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    Can't idle...

    the car starts fine when the engine is cold and when it hasnt been started or run in awhile. sometimes if im lucky after running the car and shutting it off then turning it on it starts, other times it doesnt. i put new spark plugs and put injector cleaner and noticed that the engine starts way more often then before. the problem is it sometimes still doesnt start when the engine is hot. when i start it the car revs up then dies. when this happens i end up helping it keep at an idle by reving just a little. ive been informed it might be my idle control valve. any help would be greatly appriciated! thanks in advance!!

    #2
    Had the same problem with my 87 325i.. things to check out would be the ICV, AFM, and TPS. In my case it turned out to be the ICV & TPS.

    Sometimes you can revive the ICV by cleaning it out with throttle body cleaner - I was not so lucky but it has worked for others. I would also check your air box, intake boot, and throttle body for some slight blowby which can gunk up your sensors.

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      #3
      Originally posted by Ritalin Kid
      Had the same problem with my 87 325i.. things to check out would be the ICV, AFM, and TPS. In my case it turned out to be the ICV & TPS.

      Sometimes you can revive the ICV by cleaning it out with throttle body cleaner - I was not so lucky but it has worked for others. I would also check your air box, intake boot, and throttle body for some slight blowby which can gunk up your sensors.
      thanks!! ill do that....if im correct

      ICV means idle control valve?

      AFM means air fuel mixture??

      what is TPS....sorry for not knowing. thanks for the help again!!

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        #4
        TPS - Throttle Position Sensor

        My TPS was loose, so all i did was tighten the mounting screw and it fixed the problem.


        Keep it slideways!!

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          #5
          Originally posted by Axxe
          TPS - Throttle Position Sensor

          My TPS was loose, so all i did was tighten the mounting screw and it fixed the problem.
          alright, thanks!!

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            #6
            can you adjust tps w/o removing the throttle?
            Your signature picture has been removed since it contained the Photobucket "upgrade your account" image.

            Originally posted by TimKninja
            Im more afraid of this thread turning into one of those classic R3v moments, where Pizza gets delivered.

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              #7
              Originally posted by NC325iC
              can you adjust tps w/o removing the throttle?
              With some difficulty yes. It's kind of hard to loosen the 2 screws that hold the TPS to the throttle.

              James

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                #8
                well ive been looking through "Chilton Books" for the Bmw and i cant find where it says throttle position sensor or idle control valve. anybody think they could tell me where they are? thanks!!

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                  #9
                  Originally posted by SLEEPERracer
                  well ive been looking through "Chilton Books" for the Bmw and i cant find where it says throttle position sensor or idle control valve. anybody think they could tell me where they are? thanks!!
                  Throttle Position Switch - Under the Throttle body. Small black box.

                  Idle Control Valve - Usually attached to the throttle body on one side and the intake boot on the other.

                  James

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                    #10
                    Originally posted by arsevader
                    Originally posted by SLEEPERracer
                    well ive been looking through "Chilton Books" for the Bmw and i cant find where it says throttle position sensor or idle control valve. anybody think they could tell me where they are? thanks!!
                    Throttle Position Switch - Under the Throttle body. Small black box.

                    Idle Control Valve - Usually attached to the throttle body on one side and the intake boot on the other.

                    James
                    thanks!!

                    Comment


                      #11
                      If the TPS is adjusted and working correctly it will click just off idle, move the throttle with the engine off and you should hear it.
                      If not it may be full of oil.

                      Will the engine run with the ICV disconnected?

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by Geez Tech
                        If the TPS is adjusted and working correctly it will click just off idle, move the throttle with the engine off and you should hear it.
                        The 'click' is really only an indication if the switch is adjusted correctly for off idle position.

                        It is no indication of whether the switch is actually working or not. That can only be tested with a multimeter. You need to check the off idle position and the WOT position.

                        James

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                          #13
                          if anyone needs a TPS I have an extra one (new) lying around that I'd let go for $50 shipped.
                          Build thread

                          Bimmerlabs

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                            #14
                            Idle and WOT are only grounds,if the switch is filled with oil it can short out. If the idle circuit shorts then the engine will go into idle cut off at about 1500 rpm if the engine is revved and then try to go back down to idle.
                            The click is a basic way to tell if the switch is even doing anything at all, but if he hooks up a multi meter he should see a almost 0 ohm reading at idle and WOT, nothing (open circuit) should be seen anywhere else.
                            Not everyone has a meter though, so sometimes the basic checks can be a decent test depending on the outcome.

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