2001 Honda Civic Idle malfunction

CHARLY

MEMBER
2001 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
74,000 MILES

Car was in storage for 5 months and mice got into the engine compartment. Now, after it runs for a few minutes at normal idle speed, the idle increases, fluctuates between 1300 and 2000 rpm, and then settles into a rough idle at 1500 rpm. Only mouse damage I've found in the engine compartment was a collection of debris in the air cleaner. A readout of the engine check light only affirmed the problem - "idle control system malfunction". I have thoroughly checked for a vacuum leak and found none.

3 Replies

LEGITIMATE007

MECHANIC
5,121 POSTS

They may have chewed throught the idle air control valve wiring, check that out and chech the mass airflow sensor there are a couple of fine wires in there that they could have chewed throught. Clean all of that out thouroghly. And check those items and let me know what you find

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Thursday, June 19th, 2008 AT 10:32 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Charly,

Hi Legitimat007, sorry if I cut in here, :)

This model is equipped with an IAC which might get stuck after long storage.

It is located at the bottom most part of the throttle body and has two coolant hoses attached.

If there is nothing wrong with the wiring, the IAC valve bearings are stuck and it is not easy to lubricate them. Carb cleaner would not help.

I would suggest replacing it, DO NOT prolong, it might fry the ECM idle circuit, hope is not too late.

Good luck.

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Friday, June 20th, 2008 AT 9:49 AM

LEGITIMATE007