Are you struggling with your car engine’s rough idle? We’ve got you covered. Here, we’ll check out mechanic Scotty Kilmer’s top tips on how to fix your engine’s rough idle without taking your car into the shop.
How can you fix engine idle problems (such as a rough idle) in your car?
A rough idle can be simple to fix. Remove the air filter assembly and use throttle body and air intake cleaner to clean your throttle. Let air dry for half an hour, replace the air filter assembly, and you’ll be good to go.
Here, we’ll go over the details of fixing a rough idle, using Scotty’s tips from his YouTube channel. Throttle issues can be expensive to fix, but a simple cleaning on your own can often get your car running like new.
How Can You Fix Engine Idle Problems (Such as a Rough Idle) in Your Car?
If your car is surging when it idles, or your vehicle is stalling out when it comes to a stop, it’s time to figure out how to fix your rough idle issues so that you can begin to drive smoothly again.
It’s likely that you have a dirty throttle plate or a dirty idle air control valve.
First, you’ll want to get throttle body and air intake cleaner (the brand used in the video is from STP).
Remove the air filter housing, loosen the bolts and screws on the ductwork, and then pull the air filter assembly out of the way. Pull off the remaining two pieces of ductwork to reveal the throttle.
Open the throttle with one hand while you use the other hand to spray the throttle cleaner into the throttle. You’ll notice that black residue will likely run out of the throttle as you apply the cleaner.
Use a clean paper towel to wipe out the throttle, removing debris and dirt.
You’ll also want to remove the assembly that holds the idle control valve in place, allowing you to clean that as well.
Allow clean parts to air dry for half an hour before re-assembling and closing the hood of your car.
When you start the car, you may notice that there’s some smoke coming from the tailpipe — that’s completely normal, and it’s due to the cleaner working its way through your throttle.
Engine Problems? Your Next Step
If you’re working to fix a rough idle in your car, it’s key to rely on trusted resources. In addition to the video, we’ve discussed here, be sure to head over to Vehicle History to get more information from drivers and experts alike.
