I have a 98 accord with 181k 4-cyl. I am the original owner. How do you properly set the idle? I have read that you should disconnect the IACV connector and adjust idle screw by eyeballing the tachometer inside the car. Why do you need to disconnect the IACV??? Also, the Haynes manual says to disconnect the purge connector prior to adjusting the idle screw. Who is right? I seem to think I should just turn the idle screw and not remove any electrical connectors at all. All responses appreciated.

 

You need to unplug the Idle Air Control Valve to adjust the base idle because, surprise, the IACV will try to control the idle. With it unplugged you can set the base idle. BTW, engine should be at operating temp, all accesories turned off.

Not familiar enough with your model to comment about the "purge connector".

 

You shouldnt really mess with the Idle set screw man. It is where it should be from the factory. If you are having a surging idle probelm all of the sudden check and clean IACV, FITV, and TB as well as make sure your coolant level is where it needs to be.

Have you dont these things?

It could be a number of things though. I had a little bit of a high idle for awhile, couldnt figure it out for the life of me though. All along it was right in front of my face. See my intake was resting on my cruise control line and every time there was even the slightest vibration it would gently tug on my CC and keep the throttle open a tad.

So before you go adjusting the screw make sure you have checked everything. The set screw would be the last thing you want to do.

 

Yes I understand what you are saying. But, why is there a screw present if the IACV will adjust the idle itself?

 

"You need to unplug the Idle Air Control Valve to adjust the base idle"

 

Should I just unplug the IACV connector while the car is running at normal temperatures and all accessories off? Then, check the idle (base idle) by looking at the tachometer inside the car. Then, if neccessary increase or decrease the idle by turning the screw to get between 650-750 rpm. And then, plug the IACV back into position while car is still running.

By the way which way increases and which way decreases?

If a check engine light comes on, I guess I should ignore it and reset it.

All responses appreciated.

 

what exactly is your idol doing. does it change with engine temperature or is it just staying too high or low?

 

The tachometer inside the car is reading slightly above 750 rpm. I want to lower it to about 700 rpm.

 

IIRC, 740-780rpm is the 'in-spec' range for idle on the F23.

 

sounds like your idle is fine to me

 

Haynes manual says the idle should be 650-750 rpm.

 

I was a bit off huh?

I would just tighten up the Air Bleed screw a little to bring it down. If it's not fluctuating, then I really see no problem with it as it is.

 

Thanks for your responses. Turning the base idle screw clockwise will increase the rpm or decrease it?

 

Logic tells me it should decrease it, but I may be wrong.

 

idle at 750 is fine, perfectly fine, but, it would be a simple guess and check thing to figure out what direction does what. even if you went one direction too far, it is easy to correct it back.