TonyTunes

Car runs great, no problems other than sometimes when I'm sitting the rpms will move up and down slightly. Nothing too dramatic, but is this a timing issue??? I checked all lines and there is no leaks. I also have a problem where sometimes when I go to start my car it will start then shut off. I then have to shake the main relay under the dash (the big white one) and the car will fire right up. What could be the cause of this?!?!?!

TonyTunes

Nobody??? 63 views and no opinions?

09chaplak

When did the surging start? well wait, you're first going to have to provide some TECHNICAL information before we start. car and engine info please. And you're saying that when you shake the relay it starts, and then asking what could be wrong. Take out the relay and check for cracks, burn markings etc. If you're positive it's not vacuum leak, try recalibrating your TPS.

TonyTunes

surging was happening when I got it. Its a 92 1.5l D15 non vtec. I'll check the relay for it and hope I find something noticeable. The car runs good, no problems after initial start up. You don't think timing has anything to do with it?

09chaplak

Because these aren't normal symptoms of a timing issue, more like a vacuum leak, or now that we have engine info, fast idle or idle air valve. Go into the throttle body and plug each of the holes with engine running to see if the surging stops. If the behavior changes while plugging one hole, you can isolate the problem. If you really think it's a timing problem, break out the timing light and check it. Don't have one? Set crank to TDC and see if all the markings line up properly. Any CEL codes?

TonyTunes

No CEL codes, no CEL, car runs great, just passed smog. But I'm thinking he messed with the timing to make the car pass smog. The intake is illegal so that leads me to believe he knew the smog tech and let him slide on things. I checked all lines and there is no breaks/cracks/missing lines. I'll have them check the things you mentioned about the fast idle and idle air valve

tony_2018

a/c kicking on and off will cause the rpm's to go up and down a bit, your alternator can also cause this. Not enough information to tell if this is an issue or not.

TonyTunes

Ac is completely removed. Alt seems good, I can disconnect the battery and car still runs fine. Would the PCV valve have anything to do with it?? I do remember a honda tech looked over my car real quick and adjusted a flathead screw out a little bit on the throttle body. Its a gold looking bolt. He said he was doing a "base idle reset"

Former User

Stock 92 Civic? D15b7 or D15b8?

TonyTunes

stock other than a cold air intake. D15b7

Former User

Does the CEL work?

Have you resoldered the main relay?
Main Relay Fix, Troubleshooting (Honda, Acura) and how to solder

Have you cleaned the IACV and FITV?

Eh2Guanaco

Umm i had the same problem on my eh2...i had to hit my left side of the dash (where the fuel pump relay is located) to make it kick the fuel pump on...then all you need is to replace the fuel pump relay...on the surging up and down...try cleaning the IACV and that should fix it...the cleaning only going to work once...if it keeps doing the surging then its time to replace the IACV...assuming you have checked for leaks...