idle probs

SG · Post by SG » Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:26 pm

hi all

does anyone know anything about the cause of erratic idling

i went to start it this morning the idling was very erratic even when revved a bit to 3g and holding it there.. it sounded like it was miss-firing on a cylinder or two. i stopped and started it a few times and raised the revs higher a bit each time, and it seemed to get better and better until the engine was warm... except the engine and the 'pipe with steam above it' lights seemed to stay on for a long time ~3 seconds, and still do.. i cant remember if they used to stay on for that long before..

now when it idles it either drops to 1k rpm or ~500rpm which seems low, if i hold the throttle down a little bit to get it to about 1.5k it drops by itself to about 5-800rpm, and goes up and down continously

is this just the idle motor or something?

G_A_V · Post by **G_A_V** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 11:28 pm

sounds like the stepper motor, common fault on ftos after a lot of k's, there are a few threads on replacing these

SG · Post by SG » Sun Mar 27, 2005 1:24 am

thanks

Luca · Post by **Luca** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 12:11 pm

This might also help, if replacing the stepper motor doesn't work.

I had an intermittant idle problem for ages, bought a new stepper motor, individually tested each related sensor, but nothing fixed the problem.

Turned out to be the wiring to the stepper motor which goes back around behind the engine. One of the wires broke within the sheath and was making intermittant contact. After a bit of searching on the UK forums I found out that this is relatively common, as that particular part of the wiring loom is too short and prone to breakage.

... so what fixed the problem turned out to be a $2 piece of electical wire.

Something to keep in mind anyway

PS: What state are you in? Someone may be able to lend you a stepper motor to test.

G_A_V · Post by **G_A_V** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 12:53 pm

oh yeah if its a mivec, there is a sensor which needs cleanning everuy so often too, near the throttle body, dunno where cause i done have am ivec, but sure one of the other owners can help u out

G_A_V · Post by **G_A_V** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 12:57 pm

the wires luca is talking about, is near the belts, it runs down the cover for the cam belt (on the left side of the engine), check there all in tact. It is common for a freyed belt to cut these wires, however this was fixed in the 97+ models

Luca · Post by **Luca** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 1:56 pm

Hiya Gav ... actually mine were behind the engine on the back right corner. But I've heard the left side by the belts is also a problem

SG · Post by SG » Sun Mar 27, 2005 5:30 pm

hmm well i checked the left side of the engine first and the cables that are closest to the belts (1 to 2 inchs away) are all intact.

had a quick look around the back/right side of the motor too but, from what i could see, couldnt find the stepper motor at all. i think im gonna take it to my local mechanic lol.

i'll give him the heads up about the stepper motor and wire around the back though, hopefully he'll find it easy

Luca · Post by **Luca** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 8:39 pm

Hey SG if you email me directly. I'll take some photos tomorrow and email them to back you

G_A_V · Post by **G_A_V** » Sun Mar 27, 2005 9:44 pm

dont take it to your mechanic yet unless you trust him, check this first:
http://www.funky-fto.co.uk/idling.html