What Causes High Idle Speed in Cold Engine During Summer?

[CharlotteDella]

Reasons for high idle speed in cold engine during summer: A cold engine refers to a state where the engine has cooled down. When the engine is cold, due to low temperature in the cylinders and poor gasoline atomization, the electronic fuel injection system increases the concentration of the air-fuel mixture to meet combustion requirements. Consequently, the engine raises the idle speed to increase fuel injection, thereby enhancing the mixture concentration. As the cylinder temperature rises, the need for an overly rich air-fuel mixture diminishes, leading to a gradual reduction in idle speed and fuel injection. Once the engine reaches normal operating temperature, the ECU maintains an optimal air-fuel ratio of 14.7, which is the ideal proportion for complete combustion of air and fuel. If the idle speed is around 1500 RPM in a cold state and decreases as the engine coolant temperature rises, eventually stabilizing between 600 to 800 RPM (idle speed varies by vehicle), it is considered normal.

[DiHenry]

I've encountered the issue of high cold idle speed a few times in summer. It's primarily related to the engine's warm-up strategy, especially in hot weather. During cold starts, the ECU intentionally increases RPM to rapidly heat up the catalytic converter to its operating temperature. I've noticed it's more pronounced when running AC in summer because the compressor load also pushes up the RPM. However, be alert for abnormal cases - last time mine improved after throttle body cleaning. Carbon buildup in the throttle body or faulty coolant temperature sensors can mislead the ECU into maintaining high RPM. If it persists, check these components. Here's an interesting fact: excessively high oil viscosity in summer can also increase idle load.

[VonWalker]

I've noticed that elevated cold idle speed in summer is quite common. The core reason is that the engine control module automatically increases fuel injection under high ambient temperatures to warm up the engine quickly. It's like warming up before running - the engine raises RPM to circulate oil faster for component lubrication. A mechanic once mentioned that if the intake air temperature sensor gets sun-exposed and provides inaccurate readings, it can also cause falsely high idle. Additionally, when the AC compressor kicks in, the RPM will momentarily surge. If the RPM becomes excessively high or fails to drop, the throttle position sensor needs checking. Regular air filter maintenance can help reduce this phenomenon.

[DelLucas]

Is it normal for my car's cold start RPM to surge to 1500 last summer? Actually, this is mostly the engine's adaptive strategy. The ECU increases fuel injection and throttle opening to compensate for thin air caused by high temperatures. Remember to check under the hood - if the cooling fan is running at high speed, it can also increase the load. But watch for abnormal symptoms: if the RPM needle fluctuates up and down, it might indicate a stuck idle control valve; if it doesn't drop back within three minutes, you should check the coolant temperature sensor. Usually, cleaning the throttle body can improve this situation.

[MacKira]

I specifically asked a technician friend about the high idle speed of a cold car in summer. There are three main reasons: the engine needs a high-temperature environment to reduce wear, so it actively increases the RPM to warm up; the moment the air conditioning is turned on, it occupies 15% of the power, causing the RPM to inevitably rise compensatorily; if you frequently drive short distances, carbon deposits on the back of the throttle valve will distort the air intake, leading the ECU to compensate incorrectly. The solution is simple: take a highway drive once a month to flush out carbon deposits and replace the air filter regularly. If the RPM remains high even without the air conditioning on, it's recommended to check the fault codes.