My mom's CRV has developed a problem where it wont idle in the morning, when it might be 40degrees outside. After a few miles it will idle fine. I took of the Idle control valve and cleaned it out as best I could, but the problem is still there. Anybody seen this problem? Thanks for the help.

 

When first started cold does it try to idle high then drop down ??

The idle control valve may be faulty , even though you cleaned it.
The coolant temp sense circuit may be faulty.
The thermostat may be stuck open.
The MAS may need cleaning.

 

what do you mean it won't idle? As in cuts off or a very low idle?

 

When it is first started in the morning it revs close to 1500 RPM, if you leave it in park then it maintains that idle and after maybe 3-5 minutes you can drive it normal. If you dont let it warm up and shift directly to reverse or drive then the RPM will drop, the engine sputters and then dies.

 

hmm that's strange. it shouldn't be doing that.
Do the usual check the spark plugs and the suck just to be sure a tuneup isn't in order 1st

 

I just spoke to the service writer at Honda.
I have a 2001 4 cyl - 105,000miles.
I have a cold idle problem.
He advised the head needs replaced, the valves are going down to far.
He alluded that there are others with this same problem. Please advise, does this make sense, shouldn't there be a recall?

 

There is no recall but there is a "Good Will " program because this is a known problem.

If you have a good re pore with a Honda dealership they might be able to perform the repairs with the approval from Honda.

Good luck.

 

don't replace the head
just have the valves re-lapped, yes it's a common problem but you don't need to replace the head