2001 Acura CL idol feels off

J0NN23

MEMBER
2001 ACURA CL
110,000 MILES

The idol on my car bounces from 500rpm to 1000rpm when I start up the vehicle sometimes. Sometimes its normal and then other times its so bad that the idol bounces will cause the car to move forward even when I apply the breaks. When Im applying gas everything feels normal and its mostly when I'm in drive with the break pressed. When I put the vehicle in park sometimes the idol goes back to normal. Basicaly my problem is when I start the car the idol bounces up and down from reving to allmost stalling over and over until I give it gas and then still happens when I come to a stop again. Also the dash lights dim at night when the idol bounces, not a lot but its noticeable. I have a brand-new battery and the opening for the intake was cleaned about a year ago trying to fix this issue. I don't know what it is, please help. Thanks.

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,896 POSTS

Check for engine vacuum leaks and check the idle air control valve (IAC). The IAC is responsible for the engine's idle. If it isn't working properly, it will cause this type of problem.

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Thursday, July 18th, 2013 AT 6:32 PM

HONDATECH1983

MECHANIC
109 POSTS

You can try to clean out the IAC valve. There are 4 screws that fasten it to the throttle body. It's best to use carburetor cleaner to clean the carbon residue that builds up inside the valve. This sometimes will fix the issue but a lot of the time you need to replace the IAC valve.