Top Dead Center Sensor

Tiny
JESSICA GRAVES
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 ACURA TL
  • 3.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 280,000 MILES
Would a failing TDC sensor cause my car to idle up and down between 1,000 RPM's and 2,500 RPM's while in park?
Friday, November 2nd, 2018 AT 4:27 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

Chances are, no. Your vehicle depends on an Idle Air Control Valve (IAC). The IAC is responsible for maintaining the engine idle speed. Often times when they begin to fail, the engine will idle up and down over and over.

Take a look through this link. It shows in general how one is replaced. The one on your car will look differently than what is in the link, but the same basic directions

Before just replacing the valve, make sure there is not a carbon build up or dirt stuck on the valve or where it goes on the throttle body. Also, usually a trouble code will set indicating this problem. If the check engine light has been on, then scan the computer to see if a code related to this component is listed.

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

Also, and less likely, an engine vacuum leak can cause idle issues. Here is a link that shows how to check for a leak:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let me know if you have questions or need additional help.

Take care,
Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 AT 7:06 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links