Ok, so this problem w/ my '00 ex coupe won't go away... Sometimes when I start it, it acts like I let go of the key too early and it stumbles on itself for like 5-10 seconds and then revs up to the either cold or normal idle speed. It doesn't matter if it's cold or warm out and it doesn't matter if the engine is cold or warm, it does it randomly. At first I thought it was a tune up needed, so I changed plugs, wires, cap, rotor and PCV valve. Seemed to help for a while then it kept doing it. So eventually I changed the fuel filter... Again seemed to help for a short while but it's still doing it. It got bad in the last few weeks so I decided to change the fuel filter again. This new filter didn't seem to make any difference. Could this just be my car disliking the ethanol in the gas here in NY or could it be something else? The car has done this since I got it almost 3 years ago and it's really aggrivating that I can't figure out what it is. I even talked to my dad's mechanic and he said that I've done everything he would check.

I'm tempted to take it to him and have him look at it but I'm kinda broke atm, so looks like I'm gonna have to live with it unless someone on here has any ideas. Thanks in advance guys.

- Craig

 

Check for CEL codes (see link in my signature).

Pull the plugs one at a time and inspect them. Do any look fouled?

Is the engine idling to spec? Have you tried cleaning the IACV?

Is the ignition timing set to spec with a timing gun?

Have you tried a Seafoam treatment in the gas tank and through the brake booster vacuum line?

Any other engine problems?

 

I actually just checked for CEL's today... My friend lent me his code reader and I got nothing. I checked the plugs a couple months ago and they looked fine.

Sometimes the car idle's at the right RPM but other times it idles low and the car shakes like it's going to stall (~500 rpms on the tach, maybe a little lower). And occasionally it does surge a little, it's really only noticable if my radio is off and I can barely hear it, but it is slightly surging at idle sometimes.

I haven't checked the timing with a light but I noticed that the code reader said it was like 30 degrees advance when it was cold idling and around 12-13 degrees advance at idle after it warmed up on my ride home today. I haven't tried the seafoam treatment.

Other than this, the car is great... it's just this one annoying thing that I can't figure out.

Thanks

 

I suggest you try a thorough cleaning of the IACV on the throttle body. See link in my signature.

 

I agree with RonJ, you need to check and clean your IACV, mine did that too and it fixed it.

 

Ok, thanks guys. I'll do that tomorrow after work and maybe get some seafoam while I'm getting brake cleaner and do that too. I'll let you guys know how I make out!

Thanks again

Craig

 

Well, I cleaned the IACV after work today, it was kinda dirty. Looked like the screen was covered in carbon. I also did the seafoam treatment and it smoked for a bit but not for too long. Probably like a minute or two tops as I drove down the road. I put between 1/3-1/2 of the can in the brake vacuum hose and put the rest of the can in the gas tank. I hope this helps... if not, I'll probably be back for any other suggestions you guys have haha. Thanks again guys.

Craig

 

Good luck Craig.