We recently bought an '97 Honda Accord - automatic transmission. It has an issue with the idle. I am not sure what is causing it. When you crank it, it usually runs at 1500 rpms (i guessing the high idle). After a few minutes after the car warms up it runs at about 1200. When you put it in drive it goes down to 900 to 1000. After you give the car gas and make a small loop or so and let off the gas (still in overdrive -or d4-) the car idles at 1100 and usually continues to climb up to 1200 or more. It literally takes off. If you get above 1st gear (in overdrive -d4-) then slow down, the car will jerk when it shifts down (I'm guessing because it is turning 1200 or so rpms when trying to shift). The transmission will also make a bad noise when you go from park/neutral to any gear (ie. Reverse, 1, 2, d3, d4). But when it is in park or neutral the motor will be turning 1200 or more rpms. It will still go down to 900 rpms when you brake and come to a complete stop in gear. Any suggestions on things we need to check for? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Some times people try to jack up the idle by tightening the throttle cable, there should be a little slack in it.