Rough Idle

[millster]

I'm not sure it's something I need to worry about, but my Vibe has developed something of a rough idle. I know a 4 cylinder engine is not the smoothest in the world, but this seems a little odd. It's most obvious around 2000 RPM. If I hold the engine there with the clutch in, it feels like a minor missfire. The car does run fine otherwise and seems still to have plenty of power. Just thought I'd check with everyone and see if this is a common thing or not.

[d_m_kolb]

You might try changing the plugs or take it in to the service department of your dealer and have them take a look. It is under warrenty after all.

[millster]

My thought exactly (taking it in). Just thought I'd see if anybody else was in the same boat.

[vibb]

Some advice from someone who has been through many failed attempts to get rid of annoying driveline vibration..Make sure your service dept. diagnoses the problem properly instead of just 'trying stuff out.' My car was very sensitive to the service dept's disruptions to the soft engine and transaxle mounts and exhaust position. There were quite a few resonant ranges from 800-950 RPM, 1700-2000 RPM, and 2500-3000 RPM where vibration was felt in neutral, as well as heard through buzzing in the dash, etc.
[Modified by vibb, 7:43 AM 9/6/2002]

[MA-VIBE-FAN]

quote: It's most obvious around 2000 RPM. If I hold the engine there with the clutch in, it feels like a minor missfire. The car does run fine otherwise .If I read your post right, it "runs fine", so I assume it runs fine if you are around 2000 rpm. If it is only rough when you run it up to 2000 rpm in neutral, that isn't idle, and I wouldn't think it was something a dealer would attempt to try to do anything with.

[millster]

I should certainly hope it's something they will do something with! To clarify, the car runs rough at idle, nothing too bad, but definitely there. At 2K+ it's a very obvious misfire feeling. By "Runs Fine" I'm referring to the fact that the vehicle does not stall, fail to start, smoke or otherwise misbehave. I'm certain the anomaly still exists while the vehicle's in motion it's just not as noticeable with the road vibration.

[MA-VIBE-FAN]

quote: To clarify, .Thank you

[d_m_kolb]

I did some research and found out the spark plugs in the 2ZZ-GE engine are 100,000 denso iridium spark plugs. I figure the same is true for the 1ZZ-FE. You might want to just take it in for service before changing plugs. Or you can all ways put some performance plugs in, but those plugs are performance plugs so it's up to you. I personally like Split fire triple platnium. Those are not the regular plugs that fail after 10,000 miles. They are the step up from the regular and claim to last 100,000. I use them and noticed better throttle response after installing them. Someone could say the throttle response happened because they were new but the original plugs only had around 750 miles on them. I also used a plug that was one heat range cooler than the stock plug. It helped with a knock problem I had.

[millster]

Thanks d_m_kolb. It's due for an oil change soon anyway, so I think I'll just schedule that and a check-up. Like you say, it's under warranty so I may as well use it. Thanks again for the info though. It's always appreciated!