What are the troubleshooting methods for unstable car idling?
2 Answers
There are several methods to troubleshoot unstable car idling: 1. Visual inspection under the engine hood: Observe the engine operation, the degree of vibration, and the swing amplitude of the engine tachometer needle to see if it deviates from the expected idle speed. Determine whether it is normal idle vibration or load idle vibration (such as when the air conditioning, lights are turned on, gear is engaged, or steering wheel is turned). Check for any abnormalities in external engine components, whether vacuum tubes are detached or damaged, if electrical connectors are loose, and if there are any leaks of oil, water, air, or electricity. Also, check if the exhaust pipe emits irregular sounds (indicating poor combustion), black smoke, or a raw gasoline smell, and ensure the throttle cable is properly adjusted. 2. Query and analyze fault codes: read codes – clear codes – run – read codes again: Refer to the fault code list in the repair manual to understand the causes, effects, and troubleshooting methods for each fault code. Do not ignore intermittent fault codes, as unstable idling often coincides with their occurrence. 3. Read and analyze data blocks: Data blocks provide real-time data during engine operation. Correctly analyzing data blocks reflects the technician's skill level. Analyze the reasons for any incorrect data.
I've been driving for over 30 years. When encountering unstable idle speed, I'm used to first checking the throttle body to clean carbon deposits. The buildup can obstruct air intake, causing the RPM to fluctuate. I just spray it clean with throttle body cleaner myself. Worn spark plugs are another common issue - replacing them every 50,000 km prevents uneven ignition. A stuck idle control valve can also cause constant shaking, which can be fixed by removing, cleaning or replacing it. A clogged air filter affects air intake, which is easily solved by replacing the filter element. If the fuel quality is poor, try switching to higher-grade gasoline. Don't rush to the repair shop - these basic steps save time and effort. For prevention, regular cleaning every 30,000 km keeps the car running smoothly. Last time my old car had shaking issues, cleaning stabilized the idle speed, making driving more reassuring.