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Low idle after spark plug change

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Old Jul 3, 2005 | 05:40 PM
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Low idle after spark plug change

Ok I changed out my spark plugs today and when im driving and come to a complete stop my car seems to idle around 500-600 rpms were before it would go to around 900-1000. It happens right when I stop and then about 5 seconds later it goes up to around 900-1000.

Anyone have an idea.
Old Jul 3, 2005 | 05:50 PM
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600 sounds right, thats what mine does now, and im pretty sure everyone else's does it too
Old Jul 3, 2005 | 06:10 PM
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Was your gap correct? RIght heat range spark plug? RIght plug? All plugs in securely? All plug wires connected? Double check everything.
Old Jul 3, 2005 | 06:21 PM
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I just changed mine and the same thing happened. It has seemed to go away with time. For me it was bad though, it would drop to 500 and bounce up to 1000 over and over whenever I pushed in the clutch. The ECU just had a mind ****.

This was all after reseting the ECU. (First time since the middle of winter)
Old Jul 3, 2005 | 08:23 PM
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my car usually idles around 600-800 depending on the temperature outside and the humidity...any durastic change in whether though and my PB ECU goes spastic...many of times i downshifted in the middle of turning and while i hit the clutch halfway through the car stalled and wheel locked up, all of this due to the idle dropping to 400...anyways, i wouldn't worry about it. do as AIRQUEZ said, double check everything. if the problem persists or gets worse over the next few days reset the ECU.
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 06:25 AM
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Originally Posted by thcomb
This was all after reseting the ECU. (First time since the middle of winter)
Plugs weren't your issue... Resetting the ECU caused that to happen
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 07:34 AM
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When I hand tightening the spark plugs down until they were snug I could still turn the spark plugs slightly. I dont know if I should tighten them down until they wont turn but I didnt want to overdue it. Did I do the right thing?
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 08:25 PM
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They were too loose. They should not be turning when they're in place. Just tighten it like you would any soft nut/bolt. Enough to hold it, but not so much as to strip it.
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 09:01 PM
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2 finger rule: with a ~1' socket wrench, use one hand to hold the socket and extension straight with the sparkplug. use your index and middle finger to push on the edge of the handle. most even the strongest guys couldn't go wrong with this method.
Old Jul 4, 2005 | 09:09 PM
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Just but enough force so the crush washer can smash down. but not too much.
Old Jul 14, 2005 | 05:03 PM
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Spark plugs all tight still doing it anyone else.
Old Jul 15, 2005 | 07:13 AM
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Is there anything else you did?
Old Jul 15, 2005 | 09:40 AM
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check your coil packs + plug wires???
Old Jul 15, 2005 | 10:13 AM
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When tightening your plugs is, rule of thumb, when tight, give it a quarter turn. That assures that they are snug. Also, what was stated above, make sure your plugs are gapped correctly. The NGK that you get for your lancer at any parts, are the same ones you would get from the dealership. Under your hood, tells you what the gapping should be. .42 is what the dealership does.
Old Jul 16, 2005 | 05:59 PM
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I did mine at .40



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