1988 Honda Accord Cold High Idle

HONDA ACCORD
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AXLEJAKE28
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I have a 1988 Honda Accord with approx. 200,000 miles. I've had it for about 4 years and it's always been an excellent car,with the exception when it is cold out. Upon starting the engine(only during cold weather) the idle is slow and rough- with some light grey exhaust and smell of un-burned fuel. After letting it warm for several minutes the idle then shoots up to between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm's and does this for another several minutes. Eventually everything smooths out and it's back to running great again. Any ideas? Is this a problem worth fixing considering it's 18 years old with 200,000 miles? I love the car. Just not during wintertime :)
Any info/advice will be appreciated. Thanks
-Jake
Dec 24, 2006 at 8:25 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Check the EGR valve and the air flow sensor. The air flow sensor is on the throttle body directly through the air intake across from the throttle linkage. Another item to take off and clean completely is the idle air control sensor.
Dec 28, 2006 at 6:31 AM
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AXLEJAKE28
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Mr. Bruce Hunt,

It's been almost a year since you replied to my post, and I thank you for your time.

Actually, since then, I have rarely driven my car (1988 Honda Accord) and never even got around to taking time to check out the problems. But, now that I have sold my second car, and the weather is getting cold again, I am back to my Honda full time.

I just wanted to ask a couple more questions...

#1. Can you tell me the location of the EGR valve and can it be cleaned, or would it need to be replaced?

#2. You advised that I clean the idle air control sensor..Can you tell me where this is located?

#3. air flow sensor... you gave me it's location, but can this be cleaned as well, or would I need to replace it?

I would appreciate any help/advice that you can give me.

Thank you,
-Chris
Nov 15, 2007 at 12:20 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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1. EGR should be to the right of the fuel injectors. It can be taken off and cleaned. There is a moving valve that must seal when closed. If it is dirty and cleaning fixes this - great. If not, replace.

2. IAC valve - can be cleaned. It is usually located in the neighborhood of the throttle body. It should be easy to find as there are two hoses that are about 1/2 inch in diameter connected to it that carry engine coolant. (antifreeze)

3. Always look at cleaning it first and try the others.

Don't forget to check the coolant level and make sure that the cooling system has been purged of air in the system.
Nov 16, 2007 at 1:41 AM
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AXLEJAKE28
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Mr. Hunt..

One more question...
You mentioned checking the air flow sensor. Well, I don't know what that is so I searched the internet for pictures and have even gone to NAPA and other auto parts suppliers, but no one can find an "air flow sensor" for my car. Is there another name for it? I do find MASS air flow sensors, but nothing for an 88 Honda Accord.
Could you possibly send me a picture or even a link to another site that would have a picture of an air flow sensor for my car???

Again,I appriciate your time and help!!

-Chris
Dec 5, 2007 at 11:47 AM

Suggested Repair

Clean the EGR valve to the right of the fuel injectors and confirm its valve seals when closed; replace it if cleaning does not restore sealing. Clean the idle air control valve near the throttle body, identified by two roughly half-inch coolant hoses. Inspect and clean the airflow sensor on the throttle body before considering replacement, and check the coolant level after purging air from the cooling system.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1988 Honda Accord reports a slow, rough cold idle with light grey exhaust and an unburned-fuel smell, followed by a 3,000–4,000 rpm idle until the engine warms. The expert recommends cleaning the EGR valve, idle air control valve, and airflow sensor, replacing the EGR only if cleaning does not restore its seal, and checking the coolant level after purging air. The owner later asks for part locations and whether the airflow sensor can be cleaned, but no picture or alternate part name is provided.

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