Irregular idle at start up

Tiny
KIMBERLY SMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
When I start my car the idle revs up to between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm's. Then it idles down to between 1,000 and 2,000 rpm's. The idle is very rough almost as if it is going to stall but it does not. If I push on the gas peddle it revs up and stays for a couple of seconds then idles back down to a very rough idle. Every time I started it the rpm's rev up to increases. What could be causing this?
Saturday, May 5th, 2018 AT 4:17 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hello and thanks for using 2carpros.com. Since the problem deals with the idle, I would recommend starting with a component called the idle air control valve (IAC). The IAC meters the air into the engine which maintains the idle.

Here is a description of the component:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-idle-air-control-valve-works

Here are the directions for determining if it is actually the problem:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-idles-too-high

Additionally, here are general directions to help you in replacing the component:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-idle-speed-control-motor-iac

Here are the exact directions for removing and replacing the component from alldata

REMOVAL
Remove the air cleaner lid, disconnect the inlet air temperature sensor and makeup air hose.
Remove the negative battery cable.
Disconnect electrical connector from idle air control motor.
Remove idle air control motor mounting screws.
Remove idle air control motor. Ensure O-ring is removed with the motor.
INSTALLATION
The new idle air control motor has a new O-ring installed on it. If pintle measures more than 1 inch (25 mm) it must be retracted. Use the DRB AIS Motor Open/Close Test to retract the pintle (battery must be connected.)
Carefully place idle air control motor into throttle body.
Install mounting screws. Tighten screws to: 6.2 Nm (55 in. lbs.) torque.
Attach electrical connectors to idle air control motor.
Install the negative battery cable.
Install the air cleaner lid, connect the inlet air temperature sensor and makeup air hose.

Here is a general video which may help you with the process. It shows how to replace one.

https://youtu.be/JZoEb_hyWC8

And finally, I attached a picture that will help you identify the part on your vehicle. The picture is specific to your vehicle.

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Sunday, May 6th, 2018 AT 7:34 PM

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