MAF sorted...but idle issue

[Elliottc26]

Have sorted MAF by replaceing with new, disconnecting battery to reset ECU...Emission Control light is now out!! Hoorray!! On a short trip, power goes on smooth, no misfiring...happy result!! Except one thing...

Engine idle now 500 - 800 RPM (needle bouncing) and when RPM falls with clutch down, engine stalls...!

Oil before was just muck from the road...

So, how do I sort RPM issue? Can I do it myself?

Boxster 3.2S, Petrol, 6 Speed, 2000, UK based

Edited January 10, 2009 by Elliottc26

[win911]

With that kinda stalling... I am guessing you have a CEL. If you do, get it read and post it.

[Elliottc26]

With that kinda stalling... I am guessing you have a CEL. If you do, get it read and post it.

I have no lights on dash...all seems ok except the stalling...am going to try fuel injector cleaner and put in fuel tank...I don't have a code reader...am wondering if since changing MAF mixture has gone rich???

...have just ordered a code reader from Ebay...£29!! (approx $60) Bargain...

Ahaa...the DME probably needs reprogramming as have realised I replaced a new style MAF with an old style...thought price was cheap!! (£80 (approx $140)...will get that sorted asap...

Edited January 10, 2009 by Elliottc26

[geoff]

I noticed shortly after I replaced the MAF on my '01 Boxster my car started idling unevenly (a little under 50K miles on the car). From everything I read here, idle problems are often caused by a dirty throttle body, so I went through the steps and cleaned it. Idle problem solved - smooth like a new car. The job is definitely DIY - plan a few hours and lots of swearing in the process. The process is described here on renntech and elsewhere

You didn't state mileage on your car, but I suspect around 50K miles a number of unexpected wear items all start hitting in short order, like MAF, dirty throttle body, worn front engine mount, AOS, etc. (not to mention tires, brakes and all kinds of other wear items). At this point, I won't be surprised if a number of small things start going wrong in the next 15K miles or so.

[Elliottc26]

I noticed shortly after I replaced the MAF on my '01 Boxster my car started idling unevenly (a little under 50K miles on the car). From everything I read here, idle problems are often caused by a dirty throttle body, so I went through the steps and cleaned it. Idle problem solved - smooth like a new car. The job is definitely DIY - plan a few hours and lots of swearing in the process. The process is described here on renntech and elsewhere

You didn't state mileage on your car, but I suspect around 50K miles a number of unexpected wear items all start hitting in short order, like MAF, dirty throttle body, worn front engine mount, AOS, etc. (not to mention tires, brakes and all kinds of other wear items). At this point, I won't be surprised if a number of small things start going wrong in the next 15K miles or so.

Ahh, I was wondering about throttle body; but, I guess its worth a shot. May have a go today and see what happens...

My Boxster has done 93000 miles and, yes, have had a few things needing attention over past 12 months!! lol

Will post on this thread with results later on. Thanks...

[Elliottc26]

Well, spent a good 4 hours cleaning Throttle body...

Car now idles at 600 RPM and response is improved, only stalled once with revs dropping from 4500 down to 0!! LOL But, much better than before...

When my code reader arrives I will have a better idea if anything else is wonky...

[phillipj]

Elliiot,

I believe you can fix your problem by cleaning your idle valve. On my 996 it is on the left lower side of the throttle body and has a switch attatched to it. It comes off with two alan or hex screws.

It gets filled with carbon. Get some carb cleaner and get all the carbon out. Most of it will come out with some light taps. Get it as clean as you can. Make sure it is dry and reassemble.

I had exactly the same problem and RFM (a moderator here) suggested this fix. I took me about 30 minutes and the car idled beautifully. Also didn't cost me a cent. :clapping:

Good luck!! :D

[Elliottc26]

Elliiot,

I believe you can fix your problem by cleaning your idle valve. On my 996 it is on the left lower side of the throttle body and has a switch attatched to it. It comes off with two alan or hex screws.

It gets filled with carbon. Get some carb cleaner and get all the carbon out. Most of it will come out with some light taps. Get it as clean as you can. Make sure it is dry and reassemble.

I had exactly the same problem and RFM (a moderator here) suggested this fix. I took me about 30 minutes and the car idled beautifully. Also didn't cost me a cent. :clapping:

Good luck!! :D

I had a look at it today, seemed clean to me...didn't want to mess around with it due to the electronics! lol Thhink I need the DME reprogrammed to accept the new MAF as is the old style and the one which came out was the new style...???