well when my heater and ac is on....i have noticed that my car idles lower and it drops to the bottom almost everytime that i put it back in neutral from regular driving...i dont think this is normal...but is this just a minor problem with the flat screw on the throttle body controling my idle...or is it something more...help fast.

 

does it idle fine under no load? if so, then your alternator could be going out, and unable to handle the extra load when you turn on stuff.

 

First try adjusting the idle screw.

 

ill try the screw but can it really be the altenator??? is there any other reasons for this??

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by k_lude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ill try the screw but can it really be the altenator??? is there any other reasons for this??</TD></TR></TABLE>

It can be a number of things. Alternator is a possibility. To rule that out, go get it tested for free at any auto parts store, like Checkers or Advance Auto. They'll do it for free.

Or it can be simply from the change in weather, which would require a simple idle adjustment. Or even an accessory belt that's old and stretched that may need replacing.

Have you done any mods recently? A vacuum leak can also lead to a lower or fluctuating idle. A new intake can affect idle, in which case you can reset the ecu and it'll self calibrate the air/fuel mixture. Like I said, a number of things. Check the simple things first before replacing alternators.

 

well it has been happening since i put my new valves in...i noticed it in the summer when i had my ac on that everytime i went back to neutral it idled low and now in with the heater...so im lost...i know there are many posibilitys but from hearing this which one should be the first i should do?

 

New valves? As in intake and exhaust valves? Were they seated properly? And what was the reason for putting new valves in, bent valves from breaking a timing belt? What does your compression look like across all four cylinders?

Sorry for all the questions, but it helps paint a better picture in diagnosing the problem without actually being there.

 

havent done the compression but i had eight bent valves on the intake side and had new ones put in with new seals and everything....