Hi everyone, my engine has been acting a little strange lately, im hoping that it's not a sign of bad things to come. Im at 100k on the engine. Here's what's up- when i start up the car, it will idle a bit high (around 1k rpm) for a few seconds, then gradually goes down to about 750-500 rpms where it idles normal. This has only started to happen recently.

Also, my engine doesn't seem to idle very smooth. If you guys can imagine a v8 with cams, except this doesn't sound like cams. The sound pattern is similar, though. That is the best I can explain it, but is this normal for tl's when they get up there in mileage? It sounds pretty bad from outside the car, doesn't sound very luxury-like. If it makes any difference, i've had an intake, header, and exhaust since 20k miles.

 

i'm the same right now on my 99 with 85k miles. i hope doing the plugs and timing belt will cure the bad idle going on. anyone else?

 

Time to change the plugs.

 

Mine idles at 1250rpm when cold for about 30 seconds before dropping to 750rpm normal idle speed. A variation in this, or erratic idle is usually IAC valve problems.

About the rough idle, that is probably more than just plugs. Better have that checked.

 

I idle at 500 nice and smooth. Doesnt sound ruff or anything. I do plan on chaning my spark plugs to the Bosch Platinum +4 plugs which i already bought but i just havent put them in yet. Those might make me idle even better lol.

 

The normal idle is 750rpm. At 500rpm the car would be shuddering.

This is a picture of a 99 TL at idle with a normal idle speed:



Note the tachometer can be confusing. The first bold line above 0 is 500. The first normal line on the tachometer is 750, and this is what a normal idle speed should look like.

 

Not to burst your bubble, but I had Bosch Platinum +4 for my old 91 Celica and it did not make any difference (performance or mpg). In addition, I came across a thread that told Bosch Platinum +4 is hot for our car. You are better off w/ NGK Iridium or Denso Iridiums (heard that great plugs but don't last long).

Anyway, someone corrects me if I'm wrong.
Oh yea, 500rpm idle is a bit low. Mine (52K 02TLP) also starts at 1250rpm when cold, and drops down to around 750

 

Yeah thats how my idle looks. Sorry, everytime i see on mine how the idle looks, i keep thinking its 500 when its not. So then yeah, my car idles at 750. Thanks for the correction.

 

you aint burstin no bubble. Ive heard all the bullshit on the bosch plugs. Ive also talked to people that have them and have had no problems. Anyways, i havent installed them yet but i could always take them back. Its not like my TL really needs new plugs now anyways, i dont even know why i went out and got them. Maybe i should just order NGK or whatever then.

 

It actually idles at normal revs of 750 rpm after a few seconds of startup, sorry for the confusions. Im definetly going to get it checked out plus get new spark plugs, I need to bring it in for an oil change anyways.