Newbie Mx3 Owner

[G+Davis007]

Okay so first my mx3 is a 93 1.8L. its idling higher then the normal 680rpm, between 1000 and 2000. what are some possible problems? Also theres a small hose coming out between spark plugs 1 and 3 on the manifold. its broken off. just wondering if anyone knows what hose im talkin about.

[fowljesse]

Hello, and welcome to the forum.
I believe you mean the EGR pipe coming from between 2 & 4, on the front head? If so, that's your problem. If the pipe is broken, so you can't put the hose back on, you need to get another valve cover. They are cheap, used, and easy to switch out. If that's not what you're talking about, we'll need a picture.

[G+Davis007]

No the head closest to the firewall. small black hose, looks like it goes into head.

[Tollis]

Yeap sounds like the EGR pipe is busted. Depeding where you are I have a couple valve covers Layin around if you can find one at a junk yard.

[Tollis]

Oh well post up a picture and we can let you know.

[G+Davis007]

i dont kno how to post a picture up lol

[MX3-4U2NV]

Welcome. Where ya from...

[G+Davis007]

Minden Ontario.

[fowljesse]

HOw to post pictures:
http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... t+pictures" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MrMazda92]

Make sure your A/C is turned off That'll boost my idle from 300-400 up to 1.5k+

[Ryan]

Idle speed is affected by a lot of things.

electrical load (ECM actually has a sensor for this)
Mechanical load (alternator load, plus power steering, plus A/C, everything else. Gooified transmission maybe)
vacuum leaks
a/f ratio
clogged IAC valve
gummed up throttle valve
VAF out of spec
coolant temp sensors out of spec


The first thing you should go is check for vacuum leaks. All of the little black hoses in the engine bay that lead to a solenoid or a canister or anything else that eventually routes back to the intake manifold is some part of the vacuum system. Any leak in that and you'll notice an idle difference. Listen for a hissing in your engine bay, or maybe spray some propane around in there and listen for an idle jump. Just be careful.

You can check codes, too. Good practice for diagnosis . turn off the car, locate the DIAGNOSIS box in the engine bay, jumper TEN and GND and then turn the key to 'on' and watch the check engine light carefully. If it goes off, you're done. If it flashes, check the v6 FAQ for the table.

Once you're done looking at the CEL, start the car. For this the car has to be at operating temp, so do it when yuo get home from work one day. get home, turn off, jumper TEN and GND, start, and then look at your idle. It should be within spec. If not, go around to the bay and adjust the idle screw. It is located in a hole on the top of the throttle body. Turn it out to raise idle, and turn it in to lower it until its in spec. remove the jumper, and you're done. If you ahve a timing light, as you're adjusting the idle, ensure that you're around 10º. Its nicely marked on the timing covers for you.