Boy did I screw up. I posted this question as a new member under the
new member section instead of under mechanical problems. Bet I don't
get an answer there! Sorry. What I'm wondering is this: is there a way
to increase my idle from the normal 750 to around 900 on my 1998
honda civic? I have a 5 speed, do a lot of backing up on my delivery
job, and feel I could more smoothly engage the clutch with a slightly
higher idle. Will the computer override my every attempt? How do I
instruct it to keep the idle at around 900 rpm? Again, I apologize for
not posting this under Mecanical Problems & Technical Chat. I'm a
little green, still. First day on the forum.

 

Have you adjusted the idle screw? If you aren't comfortable fiddling with your idle, just bring it to a local reputable mechanic. Idle screw is located on the throttle body, usually takes a flat tip.

 

Thanks for your reply. I did find the idle adjustment screw and successfully
adjusted the idle to about 900rpm....but it didn't stay that way for long.
I'm guessing that in a 1998 there is a computer that overides manual
adjustment. I adjusted it again, and, again it didn't stay. Is there a
way to overide the computer's decision that I must have 750 rpm as
an idle? I don't wan't to adjust it again until I know it will stay.

 

The computer can't be re-programmed. If you turn the screw far enough though, the computer will run out of range to compensate and it will idle faster than spec.

Like everyone else driving a manual, you just need to concentrate and practice on working the gas and the clutch at the same time to make a smooth start. Also always fully stop the car before changing direction from forward to reverse (or vice versa) because burning the clutch to do that is a lot of unnecessary wear.

 

Thanks for the information. If I opt to increase the idle by way of adjusting
the screw to where the computer can't compensate, will I hurt anything?
On the car I owned before this one, I always kept the idle at 900...I guess
it's just my comfort zone (BTW, that car has 366K on original clutch and
still no sign of slipping). I would like to keep my tradition of 900 rpm,
but, of course, not if I might mess something up in the process. I want
to be good to my Honda!