low/rough idle

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
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Jschaf024
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri May 06, 2016 9:42 am

low/rough idle

Post by Jschaf024 »

cleaned both battery terminals today as they were corroded. took negative off first, hooked up last. started car and is now idling very low and somewhat rough, if i let it sit it will stall after a minute or so. is there something i'm missing here? some electrical reset?
2005 - base. FWD
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ImUrOBGYN
Posts: 438
Joined: Mon Jun 10, 2013 8:23 pm

Re: low/rough idle

Post by ImUrOBGYN »

As long as you know you didn't short something out while removing/installing, there generally isn't an issue like you mentioned. Some cars after being disconnected for awhile will take a bit to remap, etc. but I've never heard of an issue that major.

Best I can say for now is to go back out and really recheck those cables and their connections; making absolutely sure everything is in good contact. Then check the area you were working around for anything you may've knocked a bit loose. Sometimes, things are 'on the verge' and all it takes is a little movement or bump.
I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. - George Best
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SeattleJeremy
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Joined: Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:02 pm
Location: Tacoma, WA

Re: low/rough idle

Post by SeattleJeremy »

The ECU needs to go through the relearn process. This is normal after disconnecting the power to the car. Let it idle for a few min, it may stumble, but it's not likely to stall.
*Sold* 06' Vibe Base - Mono Platinum - Manual
19' Toyota Camry SE Hybrid - Galactic Aqua Mica - eCVT
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vibrologist
Posts: 1598
Joined: Sat May 10, 2014 8:24 am
Location: Iowa

Re: low/rough idle

Post by vibrologist »

Please provide year and mileage of the car. What else has been done recently or has been missed?

It has to go through a relearn process but if it is stalling there is something else afoot.

???:
how old are the spark plugs,
is the MAF sensor dirty,
vacuum leak somewhere?
Vibrologist
'05 Vibe

"It is important to know the difference between 'accurate' and 'precise' even if you are neither!"

viewtopic.php?f=30&t=43476
Jschaf024
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri May 06, 2016 9:42 am

Re: low/rough idle

Post by Jschaf024 »

Hi, it worked itself out after driving around for awhile. Sorry for the ignorance about this, and I see another post about this very same problem now. So thanks for the responses.

I replaced the spark plugs with ngk iridiums. It's an 05' base with 112,000 bought used with no service records. So I am assuming nothing has been done. My list of maintenance includes
ATF change,
coolant flush and change,
clean MAF,
throttle body,
and I saw something on here called IVAC to clean as well.

I'm driving cross country in July and want her in top shape beforehand so I'll be resourcing from here quite a bit. Thanks for the input
2005 - base. FWD
Caretaker

Re: low/rough idle

Post by Caretaker »

I get the low idle rumble when coming to hard stops. I think it is a carbon thing. I have all the components cleaned of carbon but I still get an occasional rumble. I have not replaced my OEM ignition coils, even though my plugs are new iridium. Good luck with your cross country drive. I just did that last year and my Vibe did wonderfully. 105,000 miles on the odometer now and the car is really enjoying the "always warm" climate. No more snow and cold for my baby.
Jschaf024
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri May 06, 2016 9:42 am

Re: low/rough idle

Post by Jschaf024 »

thanks,
im moving from michigan to southern california. hoping to get all this maintenance done myself before i go, but the weather has been crap. It snowed today..its may 15...ridiculous.
cheers
2005 - base. FWD
Caretaker

Re: low/rough idle

Post by Caretaker »

...he,he....bring some extra money with you for car insurance. It is a rip off here.
ehoff121
Posts: 756
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:19 am
Location: Conn.

Re: low/rough idle

Post by ehoff121 »

Jschaf024 wrote:and I saw something on here called IVAC to clean as well.
You mean the IACV, a.k.a. Idle Air Control Valve, attached to the throttle body. :D

Here's a great thread on this: viewtopic.php?f=17&t=36489
2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD - Platinum
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vibrologist
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Joined: Sat May 10, 2014 8:24 am
Location: Iowa

Re: low/rough idle

Post by vibrologist »

Jschaf: Go to a trusty GM dealer and let them check if all the recalls have been done, especially the recall on the PCM.
Vibrologist
'05 Vibe

"It is important to know the difference between 'accurate' and 'precise' even if you are neither!"

viewtopic.php?f=30&t=43476
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