Odd Idle Problem
 

Today my car started acting up again. It did the same thing last summer afew times, but never during the winter. I have checked my plugs/wires/dizzy as well as cleaning my TB

Occasionally when the car is already warmed up and been driving for a while, if I shut it off and then start it within a few minutes (less then 10 it seems) the RPMs will hang around 2200, even with the clutch in. A solid stab at the throttle will bring it down to were it should be (around 500). This will happen at every stoplight, about a dozen times, then it will just start acting normal again. I will try to keep track of when it happens and circumstances, etc...in the meantime, does anyone have any ideas? Throttle cable seems to move freely. Should I reset the ECU and see if that will solve it?

RE: Odd Idle Problem
 

Is the CEL ON?

Is the throttle cable adjusted too tightly? There should be some free play -- about 1/4 inch displacement when pressing on the middle of the cable.

You also might try cleaning the IACV with carburetor cleaner. Do you have a FIV?

RE: Odd Idle Problem
 

Nope, no CEL, I'll double check the cable, but it was ok last time I was under the hood. I cleaned the Throttle body with throttle body cleaner (spray can stuff). FIV??? don't know that one. English please?? :P

RE: Odd Idle Problem
 

Fast idle valve

What year Civic?

RE: Odd Idle Problem
 

1997 DX (non-vtec) sedan, manual trans. I'll have to check on the FIV. Having a brain fart at the moment (long day at work)

RE: Odd Idle Problem
 

The 97 Civic does not have a FIV.

RE: Odd Idle Problem
 

See if you can pull the throttle closed at the lever on the throttle body when it does it. If so the cable is probably sticking. It might also have something to do with the cruise control (if equipped).

RE: Odd Idle Problem
 

It does have cruise control, factory (not dealer) installed. I will check that next time it happens. In the meantime I will clean the TB and IACV, clean the air filter (needs to be done anyway, likely NOT related) and I will repost if it happens again.

The odd part is that it is sooooo intermittant. It can go WEEKS between episodes. Last summer it only happend afew times, and this is the first time this year it has happened. I'll try to keep track of any causes or situations that make it happen and go from there.