Hunting Idle!!!!

[deliriousga]

It's cheap, low labor diagnostics! "It might be.... We'll replace that part and if that's not it, we'll go to the next part?". I don't blame him for guessing because most people would choke if he said "I'll figure out exactly what it is before I replace anything. It could be one of 8 different things so it will take me about 4-8 hours to figure it out and you will have to pay me for those hours."

If a mechanic ever replaces parts when diagnosing your problems make sure he gives you the part that was taken out just in case he's wrong. Most parts are pretty darn expensive (especially a MAF) and you have a replacement for later when something really happens or you can sell it on eBay.

When you say you're having trouble with the idle stabilizing, are you talking about a steady up and down movement in RPMs or an erratic movement? What is the range in RPM that it fluctuates between? With your first description, and not looking at anything, I'd say vacuum or sensor too.

Next, how much do you want to get into it? You can do most diagnostics yourself, but it can take a good bit of time and you need a few tools. The tools are 1/3 of what you've spent so far so it's worth it if you are interested in learning the inner workings of your Boxster.

Start cheap like Brucelee suggests with the Techron FI cleaner then go from there.

[psuball1]

Originally Posted by deliriousga

It's cheap, low labor diagnostics! "It might be.... We'll replace that part and if that's not it, we'll go to the next part?". I don't blame him for guessing because most people would choke if he said "I'll figure out exactly what it is before I replace anything. It could be one of 8 different things so it will take me about 4-8 hours to figure it out and you will have to pay me for those hours."

If a mechanic ever replaces parts when diagnosing your problems make sure he gives you the part that was taken out just in case he's wrong. Most parts are pretty darn expensive (especially a MAF) and you have a replacement for later when something really happens or you can sell it on eBay.

When you say you're having trouble with the idle stabilizing, are you talking about a steady up and down movement in RPMs or an erratic movement? What is the range in RPM that it fluctuates between? With your first description, and not looking at anything, I'd say vacuum or sensor too.

Next, how much do you want to get into it? You can do most diagnostics yourself, but it can take a good bit of time and you need a few tools. The tools are 1/3 of what you've spent so far so it's worth it if you are interested in learning the inner workings of your Boxster.

Start cheap like Brucelee suggests with the Techron FI cleaner then go from there.

I will start with the Techron additive and then go to the next step.

The idle fluctuates between 500-900 rpm. It never really goes any lower or higher then that.

At this point I really just want the car FIXED!! I am really tired of not having the car work at its best caliber. I know that when I write to the forum I am always able to get the right answers.

[Brucelee]

You should be able to find the FI cleaner at most auto stores. I buy it by the carton at Costco, as I have a fleet to maintain.

[deliriousga]

Hopefully the Techron takes care of it. If the first tank doesn't do it, use it fill-up. Depending on how dirty the injectors are, it can take a bit to clean them up.

If it's not normal after two tanks then hope for the "check engine" light with a sensor code that lets you know what's going on.

Good luck!

[Tool Pants]

We had an egas and non egas car with this problem at a work on cars day. We cleaned the carbon out of the throttle body. I have not talked to the owners since then to see if that fixed the problem.

[Brucelee]

BTW-regular use of Chevron gas will keep the FI clean. Here in Kalifornia, we have crap gas. This is the only brand I use now.

[psuball1]

I am going to buy a bottle of the Chevron FI cleaner today. I hope that this takes care of the issue. I love the car but this erraditic idle is driving me nuts!!