wierd target idle

[nicowalker1]

Ive done a few elan scans and compared to others on here, ive found that my target idle fluctuates where as others is a constant.
Could this be a timing issue? Im having the cambelt done tommorrow so hoping this should sort out this and the small amount of knock im getting
i find the first start if the day the ecu is confused as the engine splutters to a start with fluctuationg revs eventually settling, if i turn of and restart its absolutly fine.
The car runs fine and is smooth once going so i guess it is just a setting some where that is just not quite right?

[GeoffSmith]

Nick, I've checked your scans again and the target idle fluctuation is most likely due to your thermostat being stuck open. When the temperature drops below 80°C, the target idle is increased so I'd get it changed.

[nicowalker1]

could that be why i get poor fuel consumption? or is that just a heavy right foot?
ill see if they'll do it for me tomorrow whilst they do the cam belt

[Gazza]

Also try this as it sorted my problem with idle speed after 2 years of poor driving.


"Make sure the accelerator cable is closing as it should.
Find the vertical adjusting screw on the top of the throttle body and a screwdriver to match.
Start the engine first, then put the paperclip into the ALDL.
Your revs will probably go up even more.
Slow it back down to 950 using the throttle adjustment screw. Turn clockwise.
Rev the engine slowly to 2000 and back a couple of times.
Check the revs are still at 950, if not adjust and rev to 2000 again.
When the revs are settled at 950 remove the clip.
If they stay at 950 the problem is solved".


Gazza

[GeoffSmith]

Also available in pictures as well as thermostat info!

The thermostat is definitely the cause of the fluctuating target idle but it would be a good idea to check the tickover after replacing it as Gazza says. When the coolant temperature drops it will enrich the mixture but it will limit your boost, so I'm not sure whether you get more or less mpg.

[nicowalker1]

right ive finaly changed my termostat, it was workingish but it had distorted so wasnt sealing completley. Early signs are good target idle seems constant and warm up time is much quicker as you would expect. I also think the car is running smoother but i may be imagining that, i've got a few more things to sort out and ill do some good elan scan runs to compare.

[GeoffSmith]

Just confirmed with ElanScan that mine's now stuck open. I thought it had been for some time as I have had a wandering (high) tickover and I wasn't getting maximum boost until I'd been driving for a while. Now where did I put that spare.......

[DeanG]

Your bug fooled me. I tried to kill it.