'99 Accord V6 Starting problem

[adamB]

Hi all, I have read a lot of the starting problem threads, but I have not seen one similar to mine. If I am repeating one that is out there, sorry.
I just shipped my car from the states to Italy. After getting the car I started it up and the engine starts to idle at about 2500 RPM's. It will stay there for about 30 seconds and then drop to about 1000 and kick right back up to 2000. It just does this non stop. I can’t see any physical damage to the car or the engine; hope someone has seen this before. Also, the steering is extremely hard. After trying to drive the car for a block or so, I started to smell some burning. There is plenty of fluid in the power steering reserve, but I don’t know what else to look for. Because I am in Italy, it is very hard to find a Honda Dealer out here, and they don't sell the V6 over here either. Thank you in advance. I really appreciate the help.

Adam

[cmstag]

Had exactly same problem. Engine surged just as described. I was out of town for about 6 weeks - disconnected battery. Got back - fired right up but then went into the mode you've described. Turned out to be a Idle Air Control Valve - Part No. 7542046 - cost $87.59 but total installed was around $250.00. Must have had to do w/disconnecting battery because they had to "reset ECM and relearn idle" - from now on the battery stays connected when I leave town. This is probably too late for you but would like to know if it was the same problem.