GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

For an manual 04' vibe, what is normal idling rpm? Currently mine varies a bit between 1500 and 2000 though I need to do a little more experimenting.

Thanks,
Eric

Ok, so new info- when I first start the car the rpm sits around 2,000. I can hear it audibly for sure. But then, after driving it briefly the idle rpm drops to around 1,000. Any insight as to what is going on??

Much thanks,

edennis wrote:Ok, so new info- when I first start the car the rpm sits around 2,000. I can hear it audibly for sure. But then, after driving it briefly the idle rpm drops to around 1,000. Any insight as to what is going on??

Much thanks,

Sounds normal to me. It's warming up when you first start it up. It runs at a higher RPM to warm itself up faster depending on how cold it is out. Running too cold can be just as hard on an engine as too hot.

Mostly that happens when people remove their thermostat removed to "fix" overheating problems, or a thermostat is stuck open from a past overheating.

The Geo Metro I had prior to the Vibe had that happen as a result of a bad overheat from a leaking radiator I didn't know about. It couldn't get up to full operating temp until I replaced the thermostat. Then it wanted to overheat all the time due to a bad head gasket (at the very least) due to it fairly heavily consuming coolant (but, not mixing with oil) and running low. The temp gauge would then wander all over the place as the themostat opened and closed constantly trying to prevent an overheat. Mixing cold with hot coolant in the overflow bottle then pouring it into the radiator would allow me to immediately refill without cracking the radiator. I did that for over 4500 miles last May on a long trip, stopping every 100-200 miles to top off oil and coolant. Turns out I also had a badly busted rear wheel bearing. I live dangerously but have been lucky in life so far.

But I digress.

It should drop down to a more normal idle RPM as soon as you you put it into any gear since it expects you will be opening the throttle very soon, and therefore raising the RPMs during driving.

On the coldest days this past January, I think I saw mine right at or maybe even a bit over 2k RPM when started and in park. A more moderate temp startup (60s-70s) is around 1800rpm.

That's really helpful to know- thanks!

Hi Eric
I know that on cold mornings, my Vibe idles at around 1500-2000 rpm for about a minute or so. Actually rises passed 2000 rpm as it warms up on really cold start ups.
Even if you tap the throttle, it'll rise passed 2000 rpm. I usually drive off after 2-3 minutes...driving conservatively till it reaches normal running temperature. Engine will warm up faster once you get rolling anyways. What you describe seems the norm.

Thank you! I just got this vibe and I am still trying to figure out what is normal it. This forum is amazing.

Regards,

Eric: what's the idle when it is really , really warmed up?

I'll confirm this tomorrow as I need to drive it to town (about 20 minutes away), but I think it idles around 1,000 rpm once all the way warmed up.

That would be a little high...mine idles at 800 rpm once operating temperature is achieved.

Yep, I get about 800ish too. Since you have an 04 with a cable throttle, maybe it's just adjusted a little too high on the throttle body?

Is that adjustment easy to alter? I'll take a peak.

edennis wrote:Is that adjustment easy to alter? I'll take a peak.

I don't know for sure on these cars, but usually it is. It's usually a screw that forces the throttle open if you screw it in more, raising idle speed.

I have a 2006 base model with a manual transmission, 317,000 miles and still running well. On a cold day when I start it up it does idle at about 2000 for a few minutes before settling down my normal idle which is about 900. When it had less miles it did idle at about 800 but I figure with the amount of use this car has gotten that's normal.

Noticed today actually- when I first turned it on the rpms started going from about 1800-2200 and back again every 2 seconds or so. It would rev and then settle, rev, and then settle. Is this something others have noticed before? Is it part of the cooling cycle when you first turn it on?

edennis wrote:Noticed today actually- when I first turned it on the rpms started going from about 1800-2200 and back again every 2 seconds or so. It would rev and then settle, rev, and then settle. Is this something others have noticed before? Is it part of the cooling cycle when you first turn it on?

That is idle-hunting due to a vacuum leak or a malfunctioning Idle Air Control Valve. If you have a 2005-2010 Vibe, you don't have an IACV and can be assured that the latter is not your problem.

Use a can of carb cleaner to find the leak. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYa8rcHeN3A

Hmm, interesting- I'm driving an 04' 5-speed vibe. if I do have a vacuum leak would it be a gasket problem or something different?

My 04 Automatic Vibe base idles around 12-1500 cold start and 800-850 once warmed up. Welcome to GENVIBE!

edennis wrote:Hmm, interesting- I'm driving an 04' 5-speed vibe. if I do have a vacuum leak would it be a gasket problem or something different?

cleaning the IAC valve should be your next step.

The intake manifold gasket is prone to deterioration in particular if the PCV valve allows oil to get into the IM. It's an easy job to replace it. There should be an updated IM gasket available. It is orange colored. My Toyota dealer was not aware of that and gave me a black one.

You can spray carb cleaner around the intake manifold gasket and listen for a change in idle. If you can repeat the effect you found the leak.