High idle on cold startup...What's considered normal?

[derdeb]

Hi there,

I just bought a preowned 2004 Corolla S and discovered that's it idle is quite high when I first start it up. It's not too cold here (about -2 Celcius) and I don't know if it's normal or not.

The idle slowly creeps up to about 2600 and then quickly 'resets' back down to 900. This repeats for a while until I put into first (manual transmission) and drive it. After about a minute, it idles at it's normal 800 range.

Normal? In need of a tuneup? New sparks?

[tigerclaws1318]

The highest the idle should reach is 2000rpm on very cold days. 2600rpm isn't normal. How many miles on the car? Scan the car for any trouble codes first.

[JasonA]

The idle speed hunting like that is not normal. 2000-2200 RPM is about the highest it should idle when cold, and only after a cold start.

[mikered30]

Any CELs or vacuum leaks?

[Slaander]

Originally Posted by derdeb

Hi there,

I just bought a preowned 2004 Corolla S and discovered that's it idle is quite high when I first start it up. It's not too cold here (about -2 Celcius) and I don't know if it's normal or not.

The idle slowly creeps up to about 2600 and then quickly 'resets' back down to 900. This repeats for a while until I put into first (manual transmission) and drive it. After about a minute, it idles at it's normal 800 range.

Normal? In need of a tuneup? New sparks?

that is not normal, my 08 S start at -10 C, and still not passing 2000 rpm


high idles are caused by either a sticking Idle Air Control valve or a vacuum leak allowing air in somewhere it shouldn't be. Look at the condition of the hoses connected to your engine's intake and replace any that are cracked or split. Also make sure the intake air duct from the air cleaner to the intake is intact. but better plug in OBDII to get codes out

[dorman68]

Originally Posted by tigerclaws1318

The highest the idle should reach is 2000rpm on very cold days. 2600rpm isn't normal. How many miles on the car? Scan the car for any trouble codes first.

I agree with tigerclaw. My car acted the way you described and it ended up needing an intake manifold gasket, as there was a vacuum leak betweein the manifold and the head, very cheap and easy DIY repair (new intake manifold gasket). Hope this helps.

[02zx9r]

31* past couple of mornings here and when I start mine it goes to 1600rpm and stays there.

[GTurner598]

reset the ecu and see if that takes car of the problem.