Idle Problems...

[energy69]

Hi all,

Just got a new Stepper Motor from RiceRocket, cheers for the speedy delivery, and there is no change to the situation. Installed the new Stepper Motor. Car will not idle at all.

Kept the car running at low revs for ten mins until engine was warm and then she stayed running. From cold she will not idle at all. I have previously installed a brand new battery. The battery meter light is faded in the background when she is left ide (while warm) and this has always appeared to be the problem. I initially thought it was an electrical problem.

I am absolutely baffled by this car. Since I've owned it she has only being on the road for three weeks out of the four months. Can someone please help me as I'm at my witts end?


Sam

Original Thread: http://www.fto-ireland.com/forum/phpBB2 ... php?t=3529

[Muad_dib77]

Hiya,

Sorry to hear qabout your problems - what does the volt meter read?

[CJ]

Sam, have you attempted a diagnostic check? If not, that would be the first thing I would do:

http://www.ftowa.com/html/workshop/workshopart07.html

CJ

[energy69]

The VOLT meter reads 12 generally although is highly affected by the AC and other consumables.

Thank You CJ although even though the instructions seem very clear I think this might be going a little pass my experties. I think I'll have to track down someone that is near enough to Churchtown, Dundrum or Stillorgan and see if they can give me a handout to workout what's wrong with the car.

Any mechanics anyone can recommend on this side of the city that is reputable and trustworthy.

Sam

[CJ]

Sam, its quite likely that the diagnostic will show up whats wrong, you could always give it a go yourself and see how you get on. Alternatively, a helpful southsider might give you a dig out I'd I'm over your direction anytime soon, I'll let you know.

I don't know of any decent mechanics on the southside so I can't advise on that front. Worst case scenario, you could could tow the car to Paul Nolan in Artane, there would be no harm in giving him a call to go over the options, he's a helpful enough guy.

CJ

[chuck]

did you check the plug that goes into stepper motor there is a wire in that connection that is prone to snapping worth a look

[energy69]

Okay. Brought the car out to Paul in Artane and he sorted the idling problem. On the way back into town the battery meter was giving probs again.

Rang Paul and he suggested getting a new alternator. I have had it at a Alternator Expert in Walkinstown and he said there was no problem with the alternator. He suggested that it was more than likely an electrical problem.

Does anyone know if there might be a electrical Gremlin that is obviously is causing me so much pain. It was only because it was pissing rain that I had the windscreen wipers, air con and lights on that the battery was being drained and it knocked off the rdio and the windscreen wipers started slowing down. The meter was showing a reading of around 10 or lower. New battery was only installed at the start of this epic.

Does anyone know off someone that might be able to do a quick check over to find out what is going on with this car? I feel like killing the garage that sold it to me, Deerpark Motors in Mount Merrion, as all of these things were promised that they were covered under the warranty. He has totally ignored any responsibility.

All of your help is much appreciated. Cheers. Sam

[CJ]

Okay. Brought the car out to Paul in Artane and he sorted the idling problem. On the way back into town the battery meter was giving probs again.

What was the cause of the idling problem out of interest?
I still say you should undertake a diagnostic if possible. Sounds like you need the services of an auto electrician, check out the Golden Pages for someone in your area.

CJ

[chuck]

a while back i had odd trouble with electrics car would run fine till i indicated then it would stall wouldn,t start again for up to ten mins or longer was a bit of a hit with other drivers blocking the road at junctions, tried everthing i could replaced battery cleaned everything stepper, connections, earths still no joy, after a couple of weeks of this traced it back to the immobliser (laserline alarm-immobliser) apparently the fto pushes out over the 12 volts or something and it had fried the connection inside the alarm houseing took this apart and soldered a new connection on hey presto car ran perfect ten min job all it was. might be worth a check if you have a aftermarket alarm-immobliser

[energy69]

cheers chuck. there appears to be no alarm although i think i noticed an old alarm when the hood was up.

CJ i think i will give the auto electrician a go. The idle problem was some screw that had to be tightened

[CJ]

The idle problem was some screw that had to be tightened

Sounds like the idle adjustment screw on the top of the throttle body, usually you don't need to touch it, it alwats something simple, eh?
Good luck with the auto electrician route....

CJ