s10blazed
03-31-2014, 10:25 AM
Hi guys, I've been noticing something off with my car over the past few weeks. It seems as if its steadily getting worse and worse and now its at the point I need to look into it.
When my car is warmed up I can notice the RPMs drop down to about 500. It idles normal most of the time. But if I leave it sitting in neutral it will sporadically drop RPMs to almost stalling. It catches itself and keeps on purring. I've made sure nothing else is on (radio, amp, heater, etc). It didn't always do it while sitting still. I actually noticed it first as I am coming to a stop. It happens whether I leave it in gear, downshift to 2 (or 1), or neutral. As it slows to about 5 mph it would drop to low RPMs every time.
It hasn't stalled yet from this. But the way its progressing I can foresee it happening, especially now that the weather is warming up. So I come here and ask you guys, what should I check? What diagnostics can I do? What search terms might guide me the right way?
Here are the stats on my ride:
04 EP3 with ~95k
All stock save for: stainless exhaust pipe
Here are the things I have replaced within the last 12 months:
catalytic converter (maybe like 13 months ago?)
timing chain/guides/tensioner
brake pads
oil
Within the last 24 months I've changed:
spark plugs/wires
battery
serpentine belt/idler pulley
I had the idea to adjust my throttle with the bolt near the engine. But then my 'real' idle might get messed up (true/false??). I'm hoping someone recommends a valve adjustment. I skipped that while I had the top end apart because I didn't have a feeler gauge. I'm handy enough to fix just about anything that could be wrong. I'm just not handy enough to diagnose the true issue on my own.
When my car is warmed up I can notice the RPMs drop down to about 500. It idles normal most of the time. But if I leave it sitting in neutral it will sporadically drop RPMs to almost stalling. It catches itself and keeps on purring. I've made sure nothing else is on (radio, amp, heater, etc). It didn't always do it while sitting still. I actually noticed it first as I am coming to a stop. It happens whether I leave it in gear, downshift to 2 (or 1), or neutral. As it slows to about 5 mph it would drop to low RPMs every time.
It hasn't stalled yet from this. But the way its progressing I can foresee it happening, especially now that the weather is warming up. So I come here and ask you guys, what should I check? What diagnostics can I do? What search terms might guide me the right way?
Here are the stats on my ride:
04 EP3 with ~95k
All stock save for: stainless exhaust pipe
Here are the things I have replaced within the last 12 months:
catalytic converter (maybe like 13 months ago?)
timing chain/guides/tensioner
brake pads
oil
Within the last 24 months I've changed:
spark plugs/wires
battery
serpentine belt/idler pulley
I had the idea to adjust my throttle with the bolt near the engine. But then my 'real' idle might get messed up (true/false??). I'm hoping someone recommends a valve adjustment. I skipped that while I had the top end apart because I didn't have a feeler gauge. I'm handy enough to fix just about anything that could be wrong. I'm just not handy enough to diagnose the true issue on my own.