strange idle problem '06 Turbo "Lite"

[Farrar]

Hi, gang. As you may already know, I haven't had my PT for long, so this may be normal behaviour, but I thought I'd ask...

When I start the engine cold, the idle fluctuates quite a bit before it settles down. It also idles very roughly even when warmed up, to the point where my GPS (when seated on the dashboard) bounces up and down considerably.

Now I have *no* familiarity with the engine or anything on this car, although I have been in a non-turbo PT before which idled quite smoothly. So I was wondering if the rough idle was endemic to the turbocharged version (bearing in mind I have "turbo lite" PT) and I should not worry about it, or I should have someone take a look at it when I have it in for my oil change later this month.

If it would be helpful, I can take a video of the symptoms. Does this forum allow YouTube postings?

Thanks in advance from the steamy Gulf Coast!

Farrar

[XtrmDC2]

How many miles you have in your car? You may need new spark plugs and wires and throttle body cleaning. The OEM wires are garbage.You should change them for something better. I use NGK iridiums and MSD wires on mine. Also you should check the "motor mounts" or torque struts. Once they go bad you'll get more vibration inside the car.

[Farrar]

Originally Posted by XtrmDC2

How many miles you have in your car?

Oops! Sorry, I forgot to mention that -- just under 55,000 miles on the clock.

Thanks for the suggestion about the plug wires. I have MSDs on my other car so I suppose the PT should follow suit. I'll see if AutoZone has a set in stock and swap 'em out. I'll post the results here.

Cheers,
Farrar

[Hooligan]

Originally Posted by Farrar

Oops! Sorry, I forgot to mention that -- just under 55,000 miles on the clock.

Thanks for the suggestion about the plug wires. I have MSDs on my other car so I suppose the PT should follow suit. I'll see if AutoZone has a set in stock and swap 'em out. I'll post the results here.

Cheers,
Farrar

.040 on the plugs!!

[Farrar]

Originally Posted by Hooligan

.040 on the plugs!!

Thanks for that. But just to be sure: I thought that was just for the "real" turbo version. Is it spec for "turbo lite" as well?

Farrar

[Chromenut]

Also, and mine used to do this occasionally, you should switch to Mobil1 or other synthetic oil. I ran dyno oil in mine until the warranty ran out and boy did going to Mobil1 change the way it operates. Idle is much smoother, easier starting, and most of all, it will help extend the life of your turbo. Now I have no issues with idle.

[Farrar]

Well, my service contract expires at 125,000 miles, so I'll be using primeval slime in my engine probably as long as I own it.

Farrar