Shaky Idle

[wheelgarage]

I read though most of the post, but did not see a post about the TB (throttle body). Did you happen to clean it?

I also have that slight idling issue, but have ignored it for some time now. When I recently removed the intake tube to get to the fuse/relay box, I did notice how dirty the edges of the blade are. I am going to try to clean it this weekend, just to see if anything improves.....

[03hothemi]

Originally Posted by wheelgarage

I read though most of the post, but did not see a post about the TB (throttle body). Did you happen to clean it?

I cleaned the TB out at the same time I took the IAC valve off to clean it.. I noticed quite a bit of black crud on the edges of the butterfly as well as in the throat of the throttle body itself. Everything came off with a few little squirts of TB cleaner. The only thing I didn't do was pull the TB off of the car to clean it, but I didn't think I really needed to. Is it common practice to pull it off to clean it or not?

Also - how much should the idle change on these cars AC on vs AC off and in and out of gear?

[wheelgarage]

Originally Posted by 03hothemi

The only thing I didn't do was pull the TB off of the car to clean it, but I didn't think I really needed to. Is it common practice to pull it off to clean it or not?

Pretty common, both sides of the blade do get crud. I did it for all my older cars, when I used to love being under the hood.

Originally Posted by 03hothemi

Also - how much should the idle change on these cars AC on vs AC off and in and out of gear?

Ah...dunno. The manual should have the RPM details with and without load.

[fljohnboy]

Found this on another forum:

Idle problems, bogging, misses, etc.

A number of PTs appear to be experiencing spark plug problems leading to a variety of driveability problems. This appears to be most prevalent on turbo models. To troubleshoot, first check for computer codes, then check the spark plugs for cracking, dirt, or other problems (simply replacing the plugs may be the best bet). This is not difficult even for amateurs; we suggest using antiseize lubricant when putting in new plugs (very small amounts of it!). On older cars, replacing the wires may be helpful (you can certainly do this yourself). Check the battery terminals - they should be tight and clean. See the battery section for info on cleaning the terminals which may also be cause.

A TSB (18-024-05) was issued in 2005, authorizing computer updates for PT owners with idle problems.

[03hothemi]

Originally Posted by fljohnboy

A TSB (18-024-05) was issued in 2005, authorizing computer updates for PT owners with idle problems.

Other than with a DRBIII is there a way to tell if the PCM has been flashed? I know when I worked at the GM house, we stickered all vehicles that required PCM re-flashes.

[irishman331]

Well guys, like someone said, all of these vehicles are likely not caused by the same problem. I read where many of you have cleaned your throttle bodies and IACs etc. to no avail. Well, I thought that since my son's has over 110K miles on it, and I could see the throttle body was pretty dirty, I'll go ahead and pull it off and clean it and while it's off, do the IAC as well.
I did and when I started it, it idles as smooth as any in-line engine I've ever seen.
So, again, even though it did not cause the "shaky town shuffle" on others, it appears that this one was mainly due to a major lack of maintenance. Which I knew when I bought it.
I wish I could have come up with an profound fix for everyone, but who knows? Like mine, maybe it will get fixed in the process of doing something else.
Thank you all very much for the guidance and consoling words. I spent 27 years under Ford vehicles and admittedly was a bit apprehensive about actually dusting off my wrenches and seeing if they fit the same bolts on another make. At Ford we were very specialized. I only did Automatic Trans and of course everyone did electronics due to the heavy influx of digital components along with several different platforms throughout the vehicle that all were translated into analog form by the PCM, then back again to digital in various formats again. Sounds stupid? Yes, that's what we thought too, but had to get up to speed or go with the other Flintstones and Rubbles to the unenjoyment line.
Sorry, it's late. I'm rambling. Thanks a million guys
Joe

[shmexymedic]

Just checking to see if there is an update on this thread... mine is doing the hippy-hippy-shake while idling too, and when I accelerate it smooths out and yesterday the a/c went warm and the temp gauge shot up. It's going to the shop tomorrow for the dealer to fix at his expense so I was hoping for a list of things they need to check. So... how'd it go??

[andosca]

I've actually had this problem for a couple of monthes, but it's only really rough when the AC is on. It's a little shaky when in park but nothing too crazy....

I'm probably best off bringing it to a shop. But there's almost no time for that I feel like......

[CREWZIN]

03hothemi,

Just take your VIN to any dealer and they can tell you if it's been flashed. No sticker that I know of.

Joe,

Your entirely right. What works for one doesn't mean it works for others.Glad the cleaning did it for you. Good gas and some cleaner once in awhile will keep things clean.

shmexymedic,

Sounds like the fan might not be running on both speeds. The dealer should be able to diagnose the problem.

andosca,

When the car comes to an idle with the A/C on, the idle should raise enough to keep it from shaking. The IAC and computer have a lot to do with it. You are best to take it to a shop if you don't do your own maintenance. Find a reputable one if you can so they don't sell you parts you don't need.

[cjb15]

Just a little more info. to stir the pot on the whole shaky idle story. The IAC motor that everyone refers to is a little electric motor that controls the idle by letting more or less air in. The cleaning will help some but it is also possible that this little motor could be broken. Especially if you get the stalling when you stop.
I don't have enough experience with PTs but I have replaced them on other cars because cleaning the black crud off of them didn't fix them.