First 5 seconds no idle.

[elfking]

Hi all.

I have a 1990 Eclipse. (1.8L non turbo/ automatic - No flaming please... it was my first car... It gets great gas milage. ) Ever since I got it years ago its never been able to catch its idle in the morning. This only happens when the temperature is COLD outside and the motor is COLD. (Well cold for California....)

So you crank it over, it starts up acts like its going to hold the idle sputters and dies.
If you put your foot ever so slightly on the gas and hold it up for 5 seconds it will catch on its own and go right up to 1200 rpm until it warms up then to the normal idle.

This motor has 30,000 miles or so on a rebuild and has perfect compression. So no smoke or anything engine wise on its way out. I am not sure if there is a cold start assist or anything like that on the car. I didn't notice one.

If anyone has an idea of what to look for that would be great. I checked the basics. Plugs, wires, timing and idle speed. All is in check. No engine codes, and it runs perfectly once it catches the idle. Its more of an annoyance then anything else.

I also replaced the temp sensor and temp sender with OEM mitsubishi ones thinking that might help the problem.... no good though.
Thank you for your time.

 

[Nt-Eclipse-Dail]

I have that same exact problem... The shop manual for our engine (under troubleshooting - erratic idle or lopes while idling) says to check: 1) Vacuum leakage (check everything including the injector o-rings) 2) leaking EGR valve 3) Fouled plugs or crappy wires / Distributor or rotor worn 4) dirty air filter 5) fuel pump not working properly 6) leaking head gasket ........

In my case I eliminated all of these possible reasons for an erratic idle except the EGR valve... I figured that I would just go and replace it, Until I called Advance Auto and got a price on it. It was FRIGGIN HIGH! I think the cheapest that I found it was like $250 (on the net) so... I never replaced it and I am doing the same thing you are. I sort of 'help' the car out a little when it's cold and hold the rpm's at @1200 for a few seconds until it begins to idle on it's own... It's a pain, but it works for now and is MUCH cheaper than a new egr valve would be. Sorry I couldn't help out more here...

 

[1.8laser90]

that would be the isc motor (idle speed control). thats what picks up the idle on cold engine starts like that, mine does it to somtimes and ya it does get annoying but mine doesn't stall it will just idle really low for about 5 seconds then pick itself up. it might be on its way of going bad id check it, if u have a manual it will tell u how... i have taken mine apart and there snothin really to it you could prolly rebiuld it your self. from 90 to 91 the engines electrical system changed and are pretty diferent even the throttle body and sensors.. check the isc then get back to us

 

[elfking]

Thanks for the replies, I will look into it as soon as I can, I need to hunt around the house I know I have a manual somewhere for it... I get that low idle problem all the times it does not stall. So that definatey looks like the ISC.

Thanks again for the replies..