So after I got my exhaust I got a really annoying idling issue where I will either need to blip the throttle or brake and hold 1k rpms. The car will go from idling fine to sputtering and making a good amount of noise.

I thought getting tuned would resolved this issue, as I was un-tuned after installed a TBE. But nothing changed. The exhaust resonates and down right embarrassing while waiting at the lights.

I've checked all the common issues people were having with rough idles, hose not connected, etc but I still will drop from 1k to 700 to 600 rpms which the car clearly does not like.

Any ideas before I head to the dealership?

 

It's strange that installing an exhaust would cause that sort of issue... unless of course something happened to your o2 sensor that is throwing off the readings. Specifically your front o2 sensor which reads your initial afr's before the cat and relays that information to the computer to adjust fuel trims.

Is the CEL on? Even if you are not throwing a CEL yet, it doesn't mean there's not a problem there, obviously, it could just be small enough that the car believes that it is correcting itself but obviously large enough to cause a drivability issue.

See if you can find a way of monitoring o2 sensor voltages and make sure they are switching properly. That would be my first direction to look since you say it all changed after installing the exhaust

 

I could have the dealership look at the voltages, but I don't have a way to check or a multi-meter. Also, it appears that it's happens more so if the AC is running. Driving to work today, I didn't have the AC on at all, and didn't notice it as much.

Tuning would have shown the correction or lack thereof so it's definitely a strange bugger.

 

Perhaps a loose 02 sensor or a bad gasket(or loose conection) that could be letting gas escape and mess with the reading. I would get under ur car and check to make sure everything is tight and run it a bit to look and listen for a exhaust leak.

Besides unless you have a good dealership they might not even look at it or look at it and void ur warranty.

Good Luck

 

When the AC compressor turns on the idle will drop as it draws some power, and it will fluctuate up and down. It may cause the rpm's to drop to 500-600rpm's at idle. You will be able to hear the clutch on the compressor turn on when the idle drops. While actually driving i doubt you will notice it. That is normal. Also, our cars idle is always fluctuating a little bit at idle, but i do not think 500 rpm's is normal without the AC on.

 

By the way, i see you are in Calgary. Where did you get tuned? Lightspeed? I am looking for a good place around here that knows these cars for a dyno tune.

 

According to your mod list, you have no intake parts installed. Is that correct?

 

I'm thinking an exhaust gasket leak, improperly installed front 02 sensor, or damaged front 02 sensor.

 

Thats where I was headed in the beginning, but before going further I figured I'd ask about intake just in case

 

Mine does that too, and it was after i did the intake. Barely occurs and i haven't noticed any difference in terms of actual driving; just occasionally does that at idle. I'll be replacing the stock airbox soon so we'll see if it makes a difference.

 

No intake mods, just a drop in K&N filter. It's going into the dealership tomorrow, they are pretty good with mods and warranty considering that a few of us Evom members have their aftermarket parts installed there. I've had my TBE, FMIC, etc installed at the dealership for amazing prices.

 

Check the vac hose going to the fuel pressure regulator they tend to pop off it not secured with a zip tie. Just look at the vaccum hose digram on your hood. The fuel pressed reg is under the engine cover on the passengers side up front.

 

Zip tied already, so it can't be it. But this is a good idea for others who are having idling issues.