Rough Idle

[KradCRX90]

Hello I have a 1990 CRX Si, black, 133000 mi. ;
things replaced :
air intake,
clutch kit,
optima batt.,
distributer cap, and swivel,
entire replacement of front end balljoints,
wheel bearings,
springs,
camber kit (inprogress),
fog lights,

I am having a problem with the car idle speed. whenever I come to a stop the car Idles at 200-500 rpm's. I realized that it should be around 750 with the lights on. It's not a major problem but the damn car rattles so much my head feels like its in a blender!

Also another problem... During hot days or really cold days my car after running for a while it will then shut down when I am not applying fuel for a few - 30 mins, it will start then gonk out for about 10 restarts. I read someone where a while back of a board inside the car shorted out and needed to be replaced or re soddered... anyone know of this?

[turtlecrxsi]

Any codes? Peel back carpet from passenger side foot space near firewall. Turn ignition to "on"... LED window to ECU should blink once to start then if all ok should stop blinking. If keeps blinking, count blinks and look at code chart on page 1 of FAQ thread then you'll know where to begin to ask about your problem. A common problem with these cars is the "main relay" messing up in warmer climates when doing a lot of short drives cutting the car on and off. Search this forum about it. There are all kinds of links and pics to the online manual.

[civickiller]

adjust your idle screw

[KradCRX90]

Yea Ill look for some codes... Did you install a new engine into your crx turtle if so it looks nice. Did you come across anyproblems with the swap, and I was wonder how much you pay for something like that.

[KradCRX90]

As for adjusting the idle screw.. I have tried and I think its out of adjustment because I put my full strength into it and it wont budge..

I actually had a problem when I installed my intake with a loud annoying whistle sound earlier. So i adjusted that screw to the max im thinking. I didnt know if that was the only way to correct idle speed or not... This start happening around 120000

[turtlecrxsi]

Originally Posted by KradCRX90

Yea Ill look for some codes... Did you install a new engine into your crx turtle if so it looks nice. Did you come across anyproblems with the swap, and I was wonder how much you pay for something like that.

Thanks. It's just a stock replacement with lots of aftermarket parts.

You can lower your idle by turning it clockwise. Also, make sure your throttle cable isn't wedged up against anything. I often wondered why I couldn't really lower my idle even with the idle screw tight, then I noticed the throttle cable kinked so I gave it some slack... duh! I'm really slow...
GL

[KradCRX90]

I am having some difficulties trying to locate the ECU display.. your discription was vague, maybe a novice would understand but I am somewhat new to tinkering with auto's.
Once finding the Ecu codes for an idle problem it would be either oxygen, fuel, or plugs and electrical.
so my plugs and electronics are good so maybe its a mixture, would you have any idea what the codes could be?

"You can lower your idle by turning it clockwise."

Also I want to increase my idle turtle so should that still be clockwise?

PS. What is you position on ignition boxes...msd 6a or mallory for cheaper, is it even a noticable difference?
thanks for your reply

[turtlecrxsi]

If you want to let more air in to raise the idle, you want to open it up (or turn the idle screw counter-clockwise.

If you got a CEL (check engine light) then you'll get the code blink. Does your car stall or run like shit? Sometimes people have vacuum leaks from hoses connected to the intake manifold that cause poor idling conditions.

As far as ignition boxes. DON'T DO IT. Use the stock ignition. If you want to upgrade your spark, get new NGK spark plugs and NGK wires.

Also, reset your ECU after doing stuff by either disconnecting your battery or removing the ECU and HAZARD fuses from underhood fuse box located on top of the passenger side strut tower.

[3gSislpr]

The ECM is under the carpet on the front passenger side. if you peel back the top of the carpet from under the dash in front of the passenger, their will be a metal shield held down by four 10mm bolts. take them off and your ECM is below it. hope this helps

[turtlecrxsi]

Originally Posted by 3gSislpr

The ECM is under the carpet on the front passenger side. if you peel back the top of the carpet from under the dash in front of the passenger, their will be a metal shield held down by four 10mm bolts. take them off and your ECM is below it. hope this helps

You don't have to remove the 10mm bolts. The LED bulb will blink through the window of the ECU cover.

[KradCRX90]

To your question of vacuum leaks, sorry again I am learning the reigns of auto's, so please excuse my lack of knowledge. I have an intake with a large filter on the end of it, it also has a mini filter along the side of it im guessing for back pressure.

I will check the screw tonight and also make sure it is not hung up on anything.
Also tonight I have to take of my new camber kit (dropzone...not the best but cheap) in the front and drill out the slide that allows for travel because I'm maxed, and my car is dangerously low... (scrape scrape !)

Not only that as an issue my control arm rubs against the inner plastic of my wheel well then pops into its control arm well.
I saw a conversion for using stock shocks and cutting and welding a piece to allow the shock to extend up futhur so the spring isint so far away. But this seems tedius, so I think I might go with short shocks...
Anyone know of any cheap's but goodys?

[KradCRX90]

Ps. turtle what is that jacobs pic of? something you took off?

[turtlecrxsi]

The "mini" filter is for the tube that goes to the crank case breather. You probably have another one on that hole on the head (just behind the spark plug slot furthest to the left of the engine by the distributor). If you have a tube from it going back to your intake manifold or somewhere else, it shouldn't be. Maybe this pic will show what I mean.