Rough Idle on Startup

[CCMphysician]

After leaving Tractor Supply earlier this evening, my engine had a rough idle as soon as I started it. I also did not hold it to start as long as I normally do. It only lasted for about ten seconds or so, but it was taching at about 200-300 rpms (usual is about 800). Any ideas about what this could be?

-CCM

[Mike Gerber]

Most likely cause is a dirty idle air control valve. Clean the throttle body paying particular attention to spraying the cleaner liberally down in to the square hole in the base of the throttle body. That hole leads to the idle air control valve, where the problem probably exists. Spray the cleaner down in to that hole and then go on to clean the rest of the throttle body while that cleaner soaks in to the idle air control valve. Here's a thread on how to do it to on the 2.2 liter 5SFE engine (you don't say which engine you have).

How to: Cleaning Throttle Body -4 Cylinder Engines- With Pictures

There can be other things that can cause what you are experiencing, but this is the most common, so it's where I would start.

Mike

[hill8570]

From earlier posts, looks like he's got a '95 six-banger. IAC cleaning procedure is more-or-less the same on that beast as the 5S-FE, IIRC.

FWIW, I agree with Mike -- the short duration of the low idle sounds like a sticky IAC.

[CCMphysician]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

Most likely cause is a dirty idle air control valve. Clean the throttle body paying particular attention to spraying the cleaner liberally down in to the square hole in the base of the throttle body. That hole leads to the idle air control valve, where the problem probably exists. Spray the cleaner down in to that hole and then go on to clean the rest of the throttle body while that cleaner soaks in to the idle air control valve. Here's a thread on how to do it to on the 2.2 liter 5SFE engine (you don't say which engine you have).

How to: Cleaning Throttle Body -4 Cylinder Engines- With Pictures

There can be other things that can cause what you are experiencing, but this is the most common, so it's where I would start.

Mike

I was thinking it might be the IAC so I just got out of the garage here at the rescue squad after cleaning out the throttle body and spraying down the IAC. I must say, I thought my vehicle ran smoothly before, but I had no idea it was possible for a vehicle to run this smoothly. I also just ran in half a bottle of Seafoam into the vacuum line and put the other half in the gas tank. I am now letting it soak in. I can't wait to see how it runs!

I am glad that your post seems to confirm what I am thinking. I very much appreciate it.

Thank you again,
CCM

[CCMphysician]

Originally Posted by hill8570

From earlier posts, looks like he's got a '95 six-banger. IAC cleaning procedure is more-or-less the same on that beast as the 5S-FE, IIRC.

FWIW, I agree with Mike -- the short duration of the low idle sounds like a sticky IAC.

Thank you for your diligence in looking up my previous posts. I am extremely impressed and I really appreciate your input.

Thank you again,
CCM

[Mike Gerber]

Glad I could help. Let us know the outcome.

Mike