idle problem at startup - United Bimmer Community

**armybimmer05** · 03-23-2006, 01:41 PM

when I turn on my car and let it run for a while, it idles up to like 1.5 rpms (without pressing the gas) then it goes down to almost trying to cut off. After a while it goes back to normal but I could still notice the engine noise going up and down a bit when I stop the car. Anyone knows what could it be??

**komodo** · 03-23-2006, 01:55 PM

My guess is your ICV (Idle Control Valve) is getting dirty.

It's a very simple process to clean it yourself if you'd like:
http://www.unitedbimmer.com/kb-e36-icvcleaning.php

Or if not, a mechanic will charge maybe $20-25 to do it for you.

Good luck with it though, and let us know how it goes.

Oh, and welcome to UB!

**c1apton** · 03-23-2006, 01:57 PM

Sounds like a vacuum leak. Check for cracked vac lines, loose or disconnected vac. hoses. A cracked bellows (large hose from air filter housing to MAF) will cause that also. At least start with the simple stuff.
Note: when was the last known fuel filter change? (Lots of condensation in gas when there's a good temperature change)

**komodo** · 03-23-2006, 02:00 PM

Actually c1apton might be on to something. I didn't think of it at first, but when I had a vaccuum leak in my intake manifold a while back, it reacted exactly like you described...

**armybimmer05** · 03-23-2006, 02:19 PM

I bought the car about 4 months ago and I haven't done a fuel filter change. This been happening for like 2 weeks now and it was worst when it was colder, the last few days wasn't too cold and it wasn't idling as bad as when it was below freezing.

I will check my vac lines and change my fuel filter...thanks guys for the help...

nice m3 komodo

**Avlany** · 03-23-2006, 02:47 PM

I dont think Fuel Filter does have anything to do with your problem. ICV or vacuum leak are the most possible explanations.

**///MDreain** · 03-23-2006, 05:21 PM

Ahh my car is having the same problem, thanks for the tips guys.

**komodo** · 03-23-2006, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///MDreamin

Ahh my car is having the same problem, thanks for the tips guys.

**jms** · 03-24-2006, 08:01 AM

I know this sounds crazy but also check your gas cap, mine was not closed all the way and I had a similar experience, except mine would actually stall, but it only takes a second to make sure it is closed all the way.

**armybimmer05** · 03-25-2006, 12:57 PM

I clean my ICV today and it was dirty. Now is running a lot better. The only thing is that when i stop, i could hear the engine noise change a bit, not a bad as before but still does it. I will check the O2 sensor tomorrow.

Thanks guy for the help.

**Numark318i** · 03-25-2006, 03:17 PM

that DIY is good. Ima try and clean my M42's.
UB FTW

**komodo** · 03-26-2006, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Numark318i

that DIY is good. Ima try and clean my M42's.
UB FTW

**defkon99** · 03-26-2006, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///MDreamin

Ahh my car is having the same problem, thanks for the tips guys.

same problem here wtf is it the weather?!!!!