Rough idle

Tiny
COUNTYA
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 235,000 MILES
Idle is only rough when cold. And then I have to drive at least five miles before idle smooth out. I have checked and cleaned idle speed control, vacuum leaks, and most systems to do with idle. As I said, idle smooth out once car is driven a number of miles. Can you please give me some ideas to help me solve my idle problem.
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 AT 3:06 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check for an air or vacuum leak when it heats up and goes into closed loop it is probably richening the fuel mix to compensate.
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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 AT 3:19 PM
Tiny
COUNTYA
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
I have checked for air and vacuum leaks without any results. Both appears to okay. It is evident that the computer is not receiving the right signal when engine is cold.
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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 AT 3:27 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If it is running okay when warm then the computer is richening the mix on fuel to compensate for rough idle. try cleaning throttle plate and IAC hole on both sides with choke cleaner. air leaks can be hole in ductwork from MAF to engine, a bad grommet on valve cover etc. then check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,214 POSTS
Yes, classic symptom of a vacuum leak. The parts do not seal when cold but once the engine warms up the leak goes away.
How did you look for a leak? Most of the tricky ones can only be found using a smoke machine because of the location. One item to check that is missed a lot is the EVAP purge solenoid. If it sticks open even a small amount it acts as a vacuum leak, and because it is internal you will not find it unless you actually test the EVAP system.
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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 AT 5:49 PM
Tiny
COUNTYA
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
I forgot to mention that the idle is not so rough when just idling. But once I put into gear it idle way to rough.
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2017 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
COUNTYA
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Idle okay when cold, but once you put into gear and put a load on it it starts to idle rough. But once you drive it about five miles it starts to smooth out under load.
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2017 AT 9:55 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
I would bet you have a misfire. Have this scanned for codes auto parts does for free.
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2017 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,260 POSTS
Hi COUNTYA,

If you decide you would like to conduct the scan yourself here is a link to an informative article from the 2CarPros site that features written step by step instructions and pictures explaining how to scan for codes yourself. I have also included a link to our YouTube channel with a how to video on code scanning.

This is applicable even if your check engine light is not on.

Most scanners are inexpensive to purchase, you can purchase one online from sites like Amazon.com

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Once you have the codes please get back to us so that we can further assist you. We are always happy to help.

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.com.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2017 AT 1:58 PM

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