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Erratic idle problem

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Old Mar 8, 2019
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Erratic idle problem

Hi guys, gals. I have an issue with my 2005 Honda civic ex. 1.7l. Any help would be appreciated. The rpms started surging anywhere from idle to over 3000 at times. I've cleaned the throttle body, cleaned the egr valve, replaced the idle control valve and throttle position sensor ( calibrated ) and all has failed. The upstream and downstream o2 sensors have also been replaced. The only thing I haven't done is the idle relearn. Is that supposed to be done afterwards to fix the surge? Thank you
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Old Mar 9, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Which brand and model number of o2 sensor did you purchase/install?
Any CEL codes?
Checked it with a live data OBD2 scanner?
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Old Mar 9, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Make sure the Idle air control valve is factory as well.

If it's not the IACV then I'd look for a vacuum leak.
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Old Mar 9, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

The downstream o2 sensor is a Bosch 13534 and the upstream is Labworks 234-9017. It does run smoother and accelerate better after installing the upstream o2 sensor. I did the idle learn and it didn't help so I disconnected the battery for a couple of hours and still nothing. I took it to O'Reilly's again and it does show another code now. It is for the engine coolant temperature sensor, P0118 high circuit voltage
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Old Mar 10, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Those are the wrong sensors, should be Denso or ntk. Do you still have the original ones?
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Old Mar 10, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

I don' think so. So those are the only two brands that will work with this car?
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Old Mar 10, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

I agree with Mack25 that surging high idle sure sounds like a Vacuum leak to me anyway. the Good thing is You can build Your own Smoke tester cheap Yourself like this Guy did.

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Old Mar 10, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Originally Posted by brags
I agree with Mack25 that surging high idle sure sounds like a Vacuum leak to me anyway. the Good thing is You can build Your own Smoke tester cheap Yourself like this Guy did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9CDZ9lu6Rs
Actually seen both posts You posted brags on the super glue & this one. both were excellent i gave you.
extra youtube points thumps up on both.!!
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Old Mar 10, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Originally Posted by rogerscivic
Actually seen both posts You posted brags on the super glue & this one. both were excellent i gave you.
extra youtube points thumps up on both.!!
what is extra points? if its $$ bring it on.! LOL i could use some. LOL thumps up yeah, if Your clicking on the likes found on youtube videos i posted.? there going toward the youtube person that posted it. Not me.? i have many dyir projects i store in my dyi"r Pc favourites Pc that i find on youtube and from other sources i store them on my PC to help others on here solve there problems . I Volunteer my time & effort on here helping others in need. thats all.
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Old Mar 10, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Let me add a couple more pieces of information in case its helpful. It surges whether the engine is warm or not. It will surge several times (sometimes more than others) then it will level off and idle at normal rpm, approximately 800. It will remain at idle until I touch the accelerator then it surges again several times etc. Also I have noticed that the temp gauge falls out then comes back up to normal operating temperature. I do believe that the engine relies on the engine coolant temperature sensor to control the air fuel ratio. When the engine is cold it shows a higher voltage and tells the engine to receive more fuel. Well the diagnostics at o'Reilly's shows an engine coolant temperature sensor code. I have one ordered now. My thinking is if it was a vacuum leaking wouldn't it surge constantly or remain at a constant rpm instead of leveling out until the accelerator is pressed again?
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Old Mar 11, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Originally Posted by brags
I agree with Mack25 that surging high idle sure sounds like a Vacuum leak to me anyway. the Good thing is You can build Your own Smoke tester cheap Yourself like this Guy did.
Empty paint can, correct npt adapters, 3/8 vacuum hose , epoxy, air compressor and a cheap cigar will net you a great smoker.
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Old Mar 11, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Air in coolant system can cause idle issues. Maybe needs a coolant bleed per service manual?
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Old Mar 11, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Thank you. I have an engine coolant temp sensor ordered and will be here tomorrow. I'm planning on changing out the coolant at the same time. Hopefully that will work
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Old Mar 13, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Alright, well I flushed the coolant and replaced the engine coolant temperature sensor. It still surges the same as before. I took it to autozone and had them test it. It still shows the codes p0134 for the upstream oxygen sensor and now a different code, p0113. I asked if it is necessary to have an OEM o2 sensor and he said no. I told him what all I have replaced. He basically said there is an air/fuel ratio issue and it keeps throwing random codes due to it. So far I've replaced the idle control valve, throttle position sensor, both o2 sensors, engine coolant temperature sensor, and flushed and replaced the coolant. This thing is driving me crazy. Does anyone have any more suggestions!? Also, one piece of info I didn't mention before. While driving it bucks or jerks when I press the accelerator and when I let off of it.
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Old Mar 14, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

I bet you would have better luck with OEM Honda/Denso O2 sensors for the P0134 code and an OEM IAT sensor for the P0113 code. Definitely not BOSCH.

Check your connections too.

Other far-reaching causes could be pressure washing your engine bay or rodents chewing on tasty wire insulation to the sensors.
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Old Mar 14, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

The OEM sensors are what I'm leaning towards. There are many people saying that. They're just expensive little parts lol. I appreciate all the info
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Old Mar 14, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

expensive and working is better than cheap and not working
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Old Mar 14, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

You're exactly right on that lol
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Old Mar 14, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

amazon or rockauto will be cheapest,
go to either denso's or ntk's website to get the correct part number
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Old Mar 14, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Good deal, thank you
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Old Mar 18, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Honda's engines seem to always do better with Honda Genuine (OEM) parts and especially o2 and A/F sensors. 7th gens ('01-'05) use and A/F sensor: https://www.tirereview.com/air-fuel-...xygen-sensors/ Looks like this is the one that fits your car's (1.7L) engine but reconfirm under the "check fit" drop down menus:
https://www.amazon.com/Denso-234-9017-Fuel-Ratio-Sensor/dp/B00122EENE/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Honda%7C59&Model=Civic%7C752&Year=2005%7C2005&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&newVehicle=1&s=automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive. https://www.amazon.com/Denso-234-9017-Fuel-Ratio-Sensor/dp/B00122EENE/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Honda%7C59&Model=Civic%7C752&Year=2005%7C2005&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&newVehicle=1&s=automotive&vehicleId=1&vehicleType=automotive.

I'm pretty sure (but not 100%) that Denso, NTK and NGK are all interchangeable and are made by NTK but may have differing part numbers for the exact same part. Here's the same part on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/i/173830018979?chn=ps
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Old Apr 7, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Well guys, I installed the OEM air fuel ratio sensor and still no difference. I replaced the map sensor and fixed a small exhaust leak too. I then tried the idle relearn sequence and nothing. I cant hear any vacuum leaks either. The only code showing now is for the catylic converter and the reason is because it doesn't have one so that's normal. I know that's not the issue either because it has been that way since I bought it and this is a new problem. I don't know what to do or try next. Any more suggestions?
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Old Apr 10, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Did you check the IACV (idle air control valve)?

If it is stuck open then its basically a vacuum leak.
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Old Apr 10, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Yes sir I did. That was one of the first things I replaced. Only thing, it isnt OEM. Do you think that would make a difference?
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Old Apr 10, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

it can
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Old Apr 21, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

More advice please! I replaced the whole throttle body with a new OEM one with OEM idle air control valve and TPS on it and it still acts the same way. I did however try blocking the air passage to the iacv inside the throttle body and it idled very low and rough but didn't die. I believe it should die right? Does this mean there's a vacuum leak?
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Old Apr 22, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Could try adjusting the valves to spec but probably won't solve the issue. Fuel injectors working correctly? Leaking intake gasket? Other than that it may be a faulty ECU issue?
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Old Apr 23, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Compleatly cover the throttle body opening and it should die, if not there is a large vacuum leak.

If so cover the throttle body opening again, disconnect a vacuum line to the intake manifold and use a smoke machine to check for leaks.

You can make the smoker, there are diys on YouTube, or you can vape/smoke into the vac line.
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Old Apr 23, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Ok, thanks guys for the information
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Old Apr 24, 2019
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Re: Erratic idle problem

Well, that isn't the problem either. I covered the throttle body and it died immediately. I have no clue what to try next
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