Car idles high when initially started but takes a very long time to get to drive mode.

This is a post for another problem but I think this process can help you too. Vacuum is a big influence on throttle in these cars. My original problem is the car had a hard start problem when hot and took a minute to idle correctly. This solved that and the high idle issue.

I had this problem, it would not start when hot and would idle at 500 rpm's. There are some sensors that get dirty and fail on the 2.0 engine on the drivers side throttle body and intake. You will need carburetor cleaner and have to have some mechanical ability. Take the filter housing off, remove the throttle body which means the throttle cable needs to be removed, easy. Also, unplug and remove any sensors in the throttle body CAREFULLY, I think there is one on the back side of the housing near the throttle body. Spray the sensors and let them sit, spray again after a minute or two to clean it off, let dry. Using a tooth brush spray throttle body plate and clean especially all the little ports which act as vacuum tubes and regulate idle, probably the main cause of idle problems. Let dry completely before installing. I have not had any problems with this since I cleaned the intake system. Also, you can use an 6mm wrench and 2mm allen key to adjust the idle. I found it runs slower in the summer and idles higher in the winter. Another thing to check, on the passenger side of the intake there is a port with 2 rubber cappilary hoses going to it with a plastic hexagon screw facing the front of the car and a spring to hold the tension. A mechanic told me that is to adjust the idle when the AC is on. Mine does not work so I think the diaphragm in it is punctured. Good Luck.


As noted above, you can adjust the idle lower but it will be even lower when it warms up so you have to be aware of that. I hope I help someone out there. This is a post for another problem but I think this process can help you too. Vacuum is a big influence on throttle in these cars. My original problem is the car had a hard start problem when hot and took a minute to idle correctly. This solved that and the high idle issue.

I had this problem, it would not start when hot and would idle at 500 rpm's. There are some sensors that get dirty and fail on the 2.0 engine on the drivers side throttle body and intake. You will need carburetor cleaner and have to have some mechanical ability. Take the filter housing off, remove the throttle body which means the throttle cable needs to be removed, easy. Also, unplug and remove any sensors in the throttle body CAREFULLY, I think there is one on the back side of the housing near the throttle body. Spray the sensors and let them sit, spray again after a minute or two to clean it off, let dry. Using a tooth brush spray throttle body plate and clean especially all the little ports which act as vacuum tubes and regulate idle, probably the main cause of idle problems. Let dry completely before installing. I have not had any problems with this since I cleaned the intake system. Also, you can use an 6mm wrench and 2mm allen key to adjust the idle. I found it runs slower in the summer and idles higher in the winter. Another thing to check, on the passenger side of the intake there is a port with 2 rubber cappilary hoses going to it with a plastic hexagon screw facing the front of the car and a spring to hold the tension. A mechanic told me that is to adjust the idle when the AC is on. Mine does not work so I think the diaphragm in it is punctured. Good Luck.


As noted above, you can adjust the idle lower but it will be even lower when it warms up so you have to be aware of that. I hope I help someone out there.

Sorry about the Typos! Sorry about the Typos!