Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
Have you checked for stored codes?
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
Honestly no I haven't. I don't have a check engine light illuminated however I should check anyways I suppose. I know there's a grouping of connectors next to the airbox. Which connector am I looking for?
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
seems like a transmission issue to me...do you have any service history on it? im not an automatic transmission guy, but maybe time to drop the pan, replace filter, and see how much crud is in the pan if it hasnt been done lately...maybe someones put wrong oil or additives to help with slipping or something...
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
I have zero service history although it appears to have been serviced very well. Every time I go in to replace or refresh something I think after 270,000km would be worn out or in need of freshening up. Someone has already been in there and done it.
I change the transmission fluid regularly and it was clean when I got the van, no transmission issues so far.
I'm not sure where to look to be honest
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
the factory service manual has a few tests you can perform that dont seem to involve special tools..it could be a simple cable adjustment...theres pdf manual on this site i believe, and also on fb..good luck, maybe someone with more auto experience will chime in..
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
When you start the vehicle and the instrument pack does its self check, does the check engine light come on then?
Maybe try inducing a code, just to make sure the management end of things is working.
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
Yeah everything is all good there. I tested it anyways unplugging stuff like you mentioned and I was able to code it out and then clear them
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
How long have you had it and how long has it been acting up?
Have you done any standard maintenance (plugs, filters..., compression test.....) since you've owned it?
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
I've owned the van for a few years, It's been doing this for about 3 months or so. I maintain the van meticulously, and it appears to me the last owner did as well. All the maintenance is up to date
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
Out of curiosity, how does it run outside of the idle issue, any stumbles or lack of power or bad mileage, noisy &/or smelly exhaust......
Assuming that tune up stuff is all up to date (especially the air filter), I think you need to start assessing the basic parameters.
I'd start with a compression test as well as checking static timing and just work thru the list from there.
As with most things in life, the devil is in the details.
In the "olden days" (like when you're van was built) we only used idle up solenoids when a load was induced, like when the AC was turned on.
Auto trans is just part of the crowd and no extra idle was required or supplied, and shouldn't be needed.
What part of the province are you in?
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
I'm in the GTA. The van runs amazing otherwise, lots of power and right on par with the rated fuel economy. I deal with low compression forklifts a lot at work and I really don't think that's the issue here. Although I really appreciate everyone's suggestions!
From what I've heard so far the only thing that makes sense is possibly a torque converter issue. Apart from that everything engine mechanical on my van is exactly the way it should be
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
had another thought, not related to transmission, could it be something to do with a faulty brake booster? when putting into D or R im assuming youve got your foot on the brake. if you can try the parking brake or chocking the wheels and see if it has the same symptoms..i would think if the booster were leaking air it would idle up not down but maybe worth a try...the other thought was tps...im not sure it communicates with the idle air control like other cars, but maybe jump the connector to see if your at least getting the rpm drop...i guess some volvos used the same trans so maybe theres some more info over there...
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
Those are some great ideas!
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
I'll have to look into those more, might be exactly my issue
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
I know very little about the internal workings of an auto trans, but don't believe convertor failures are common, at least not on 80's technology.
I would have thought that if the torque convertor was locked up, it would have to be in neutral to start.
In Park, it would be cranking against the parking dog, no?
A failed booster would induce a vacuum leak and raise the idle, so not very likely.
Perhaps Tim will happen along and provide some guidance.
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
true, but i did have an 85 that had a bad master..leaking out the pushrod shaft..the van had been neglected in other ways too, when i 1st went to check it out we got it fired up, but it died when the brakes were applied...this was with the pedal going to the floor, thought for sure the booster was done, but after the master replacement however everything was fine...i was prepared to just block of the manifold vacuum. ..maybe unrelated, but since we're grasping at straws..
Re: Idle rpm in gear too low
If there's a small leak it would most likely cause I high idle. If it's a large leak it may induce the opposite