My car idles funny while stopped and in gear after warm-up.

The RPMs dip slightly once stopped, and the car's idle is harsh as if it needs a traditional "tune-up." It almost seems the car will stall out (although it has yet to stall).

When the vehicle is cold, the rpms are higher and the car idles smoothly.

Syptoms have been consistent the past three weeks.

Taking vehicle to an Acura Dealer is difficult; nearest dealer is 75+ miles away from current vehicle location.

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I have an '03 Cl-s w/ automatic transmission.

The vehicle is 4.5 years old, with 85,000 miles.

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Thanks in advance for your thoughts relating to this issue.

 

Likely a dirty IAC valve. Common problem. Search for posts of how to clean it. It's easy.

 

If I were to take it to a shop, from reading posts it could take only one hour of labor.

Should I have them replace the IAC valve if I pay someone to do the work?

I won't have much time to work on the car myself once I return back to school.

 

It takes about an hour to remove it, clean it and re-install it.