Barely going to watch this video. 13 years old and it’s still helping people out.

Eric is one of the best, if not the best KZfaqr for Honda cars. I've began my learning journey with him, I am now a self proclaimed Honda master tech. 😁

“At a dealer you don’t make a lot of money cleaning things”. A truer statement has never been made.

Yup, there is still people watching your videos from 9 years ago lol 😆 thanks for teaching me

I could freakin kiss you Eric!! This was such a headache on my Honda Civic. I failed smog terribly because of that cold-start idle air control. After a bunch of replacing sensors and crap I took out that idle air control and turned it all the way in like you showed and it fixed it completely!!! Passed smog perfectly!! Dude I'm so happy! Thank you for saving me so much money. Guys! Subscribe to this guy! Like his videos! He is giving great information for free. He's like Beethoven on the engines. Thank you again brother! Holy crap that was load off my shoulders.

Wow thank you so much! My idle has been way too high and unpredictable since I purchased my 1990 Accord, so I followed your simple instructions and I opened my fast idle valve and found it took quite a few turns to make it snug. Now, my car idles perfectly at operating temp! Thanks again! 👍

There are people watching and still learning from your efforts 13 yrs later. Thank you, Eric. You are a legend. You deserve another shop, channel, and tons of revenue. Stay Cool man!

THANK YOU ERIC!! 10 years later and this video is still super helpful 🙏🏼 I hope you’re all settled in to your new shop now by the way

Thank you for being a professional (understanding the system and using proper troubleshooting to solve problems), as well as a teacher to those of us interested in learning how professionals do things. +1

Been having problems with idle too, replaced a bad IAC valve part costing $240 (old one had a torned in filter screen) at O'Reilly's did not fix the problem, high idle at 3000 rpm for prolonged periods, then just watched this video and did as instructed- BOOM PROBLEM SOLVED. RPM at startup at 2.5! Went to 1000 in just minutes. Gears shifting smoothly. Engine sounds way better feels better. Thank you Ericthecarguy.

To add to the last comment 10 years later you are still the man. Dealing with a 94 1.6 civic at the moment and you have taught me tons. Odometer stopped at 350k . I like the way you teach, I do hvac and as simple as a stink bug, can make the contactor on your outdoor unit not come on. Thanks for true honest advise.

This is my 2nd 1991 Honda Civic Hatchback I'm a girl who loves to work on her cars. Thanks for this tip Eric. I went to smog my car today mechanic said it may be idle air control valve and ran into your video. I'm gonna tighten this tomorrow 🙏❤ Oh if anyone wants to know YES it passed smog mechanic was in shock 😅 My hubby passed away 4 years ago Dad 6 so now I must do my own repairs. But it is what it is. Thank God we have KZfaq and Eric who wants us to save money on parts ❤

12 Years later and this video still helps find my problem, thank you 🙏🏽

Lol I just bought a 1991 honda accord lx coupe for my first car for 350 bucks because it had this issue and the guy thought he had a blown engine and I didn't know if it was a blown engine so I bought it knowing I might need to look online for a used engine. instead I found articles online explaining this and got it fixed. idle issue problem fixed, new back struts, and a little cosmetic work later I have my first car for less than 1000 dollars.

You ARE the man! Thank you. After reading many other posts on random forums i ended up replacing the MAP sensor, throttle position sensor, pcv and grommet (worst job). I was at the end of my patience when I watched this video. I then ran through the tasks you suggested. Once i pulled the IACV my problem stuck out like a sore thumb. Clogged coolant port and hose. 4 years ago I was told to use GM coolant tabs to help with the typical antifreeze smell. The tabs worked great in taking care of the tiny seaps where aluminum touches aluminum but that gritty material pooled in the IAVC. Moral of the story CHECK WITH ERIC FIRST!

I recently picked up a 2000 prelude type sh as a project/learn stick on car. The h22a4 engine in it does have the FITV(fast idle thermo valve). I've had idle issues with the car since getting it like rpm surging(1k-2krpm up and down) a minute to two after start up. I took apart the throttle body to get to the FITV and removed the valve, took it apart and cleaned it all up and it runs 1000x better. No more high idle above 1200 it stays consistent at 800-900, and no more rpm surging. THIS GUY KNOWS HIS STUFF!

Thanks, Eric. Had to change a heater hose and the idle immediately went to Hades. After burping the cooling system, idle smoothed out.

just tightened the fast idle valve on my 92 accord and she idles perfect now! I love you

Sir you are a legend, I Followed your instructions on the FITV and after weeks of loking for an answer I found a solution.I purchased a 1996 Honda accord for co worker and he told me that the car had this issue. I cleaned the Idle control valve it made it better but the problem was that every time I start the car in the morning it would start revving like crazy. I Watched this video and tightened the FITV I can say it worked!!!!. Its been 2 days and it is WAAAAY different. Sir thank you

Eric...your videos have saved me multiple times already and I've only been a Honda owner for three days. Keep up the good videos, bro. I am a fan for life.

Myself and my 95' Prelude also appreciate the love. Thanks Eric! You the man!

I surprised myself, all because of the confidence you gave me in several of your videos. I did all of the spark tube seals on my wifes 92 accord because of you. Looks like low coolant is the culprit today. You're a gem Eric.

Eric. that worked for the hunting idle on my 1994 del sol. I tried cleaning the iac and that did nothing. turning that all the way down completely fixed the hunting idle. this was the only place I saw this suggestion as a possible fix. and it worked like a charm. having the car idle up and down until it warmed up drove me nuts for years. you are the man, man.

12 years later and it’s helping me, my idle goes up and down when it’s in park for too long or a little or when it’s just sitting

XX "I Don't alwayz work on CARS, BUT WHEN I DO! I watch EricTheCarGuy!!!........Stay Dirty My Friends! XX

I checked everything you recommend ..and my air idle problem was due to a bad ECU.. swapped the ECU..and my idle problem was fixed immediately.. Great video 👍..

Eric thank you for all the videos and work you do to help those who are uneducated on these issues and are in great need,your a good person and people like you help so many of us who are in need...THANK YOU!

Still helpful in 2019! Eric is awesome!

Thanks for the help! I know it's been 5 years but these types of problems are still happening. Mine was in the fast idle valve. It was a pain trying to get to it due to my motor being in the vehicle, but it is possible. It took a while to bottom out (that's how loose it was). Put everything back together and the cold start idled normal!!! Thanks again!!! (:

Thanks for the vid. I couldn’t reach my idle control valve to tap on it in my 96 civic 1.6L non vtech. I pulled the ICV and cleaned it because all the parts stores were closed. Put it back together and bled the air out of the coolant. Although I couldn’t find a breather. I just ran it like you said and squeezed hoses until all bubbles were gone. Idle problem solved. When I turned on my a/c the idle would almost stall the engine then run back up. Now it’s good to go. If I have any more problems I’m changing it out.

Most dramatic mechanic speech ever,... Give this man an award... And thanks! Same issue, about to tackle it.

Thank you very much, I wish everyone could have a mechanic like you near by. Keep up the good work !!

Eric, you are the man! Thank you for teaching us how to take care of our Honda’s! I have always watched your videos for DIY tips on my Hondas. Thanks to this video I was able to fix an idle issue on a 97 prelude that I just scored for 1600 bucks (fast idle valve just needed tightening) 🙌🏼 Thank you for sharing your knowledge and guidance

Thanks for the video, it basically allowed me to fix my Dad's '97 Accord idle issues. The idle would surge, then settle, surge then settle. It got so bad he could barely drive the car more than 25 MPH. I replaced the IACV. Didn't fix it. I bled the cooling system. Didn't fix it. Then finally I took off the Fast IACV and screwed that piece back down. THAT FIXED IT. My dad says the car now runs better than he ever remembers it running. Thanks!

Another component that can cause idle issues is something known as the Air Boost Valve. (It's suppose to help start your car in really cold weather ... really cold.) Anyway, in my 1991 Integra LS hatchback 5-speed it's located just to the right of the dashpot throttle lever. If it starts to fail it can cause a surging idle as it tries to feed more air into the intake. It's also daisy chained to the dashpot via a teed vacuum hose. You can either remove it and block its port to the manifold or remove the 2 hoses it has going into it and just close them up with vacuum plugs. One of them, the long piece, being the teed vacuum line to the dashpot, can then be re-used as a direct vacuum line to the dashpot as one piece of hose. The other larger hose should be plugged at the valve and on the top of the manifold. So what did it accomplish? 1) My idle surge is now gone. 2) With the Air Boost Valve vacuum line no longer on the same vacuum line as the dashpot, the dashpot now performs much better. Smoother engine running when coming off throttle. Smoother shifting occurs as a result; revs don't drop so much or so quickly. Nice. And no change in cold starts. So I offer this as a consideration. If it doesn't work you can always restore everything back to how it was quite easily.

Awesome. I just did it on my wife's 99 Honda Accord and the idling smooth out. Thanks Erick love your videos. Stay dirty

Thank you for all your help I truly appreciate you taking the time to show all of us what you do.

Eric, the IACV is now becoming a common problem for the Element owners. I have passed on what you taught me when I was battling with my '92 Integra and saw this video. Red Martin just wanted to say Thank You!

Your tip to check the code first is great advise. I changed the starter in my Honda Accord, which meant removing the manifold and lots of other stuff - and neglected to hook the wiring clip back onto the mass air flow sensor. reading the error code of PO102, quickly told me that was the issue and I was getting ready to troubleshoot with a multimeter, when I saw I simply did not clip it back in. What an easy fix, but, really hard to see that it was unclipped. Thank you EricTheCarGuy!

Every time I need to work on my 2002 RSX, my first search is always ERIC THE CAR GUY [symptom or name of part]. Has never led me wrong.

thanks for this old video Eric. it's nice to have these to come back to.

Learn a ton from your videos Eric, thanks a bunch! I get smarter each time. The lesson you give in the end about taking time to diagnose before spending money is something I wanted to echo a hundred times. Great information!

Excellent tip Eric! It solved the idling problem on my Civic 93! Did realized the reason the plastic cap losens out.... the O-ring of the plastic cap, next to the thread, with time hardens up (looses friction with aluminum body) and with engine vibration allows to unscrew eventually again. Replace with a NEW O-ring!

Eric, I have been beating my brains out trying to figure out why this 97 Civic is idling so erratic. I have looked at many videos and read many articles and NOTHING worked. I was about to go and buy a new Idle control valve for $180.00 and then I came upon your video and I thought what the hell, I will look at just 1 more. After watching it I then went to my tool box and found the oldest nastiest screw driver I had (I did not want to use 1 of my Snap On) and tried your little trick. I could not believe it. It worked. Just wanted to say thanks for the video. I will come back and ck out other videos of yours very soon.

Hey eric thanks for your help and taking time to make people better understand diagnosis procedures with the access to your detailed videos, I'm wondering if you could talk more about the access to the iac and fitv that seem to be fed by small ports in the throttle body and what happens or what should happen when restricting air flow to either or both and if it should at all sound like loud suction at any giving point similar to a large vaccum leak and maybe talk a little more about the idle screw on the throttle body and when you can decide to make adjustments when nessesary, thanks for your help, take care

EXCELLENT! I can't begin to thank you enough, Eric. :) Subbed, looking forward to now learning more. Great job, thanks for putting your expertise out there for us poor and or frustrated drivers.

Been watching your videos for about a year now and just stumbled on this one after not driving my del sol cause I thought it was a bigger issue I replaced the IACV and it did nothing and I opened the fitv it was so loose it almost fell out now it idles at about 6-700 rpm steady and quiet Thank you

You're the king. Rough low idle, lasted about a day and then check engine light. Checked coolant and it was low so since I had some on hand, figured I'd try that first. To my surprise, it went back to smooth idle within about two minutes. Thanks bro!

Eric is one of my favorite utube Honda doctor!

You sound so sincere...Dude...plus you earn nothing from it...God bless you-Thanks.... Anthony

Hey man, i did what you described and showed in this video on my 98 honda crv and all of a sudden i was wishing i had all the money back that ive spent on it in the last year because of this idle issue, i had to wind mine back in sure enough and it has ran like a new car since, i was blown away that it was something so simple

Tried this on my 1990 Prelude, thing was surging from 1-2 consistently and driving me crazy. Did this in about 3 minutes and I haven’t had it surge once since. Thanks Eric

Hahaha, "The rescue worker, that got there a little too late" xD

I have been experiencing vibration on idle and loss of acceleration .. but only after i been driving it a while, wither its a warm day or not.less than 2 weeks before this, i got my head gasket replaced as well as new timing belt and pump and spark plugs and a new rad and cap. My check engine light did come on about a week after the repair and it was a code for crankshaft sensor, this lasted abut a week at times going off and back on until finally never came on again, so i used OBD and reset the ECU but im left with the vibration issue and loss of power on acceleration. Also in park or neutral the engine revs great no loss of power or anything

Eric, you are Still making a difference in the lives of your KZfaq followers! Thanks for the guidance and words of wisdom. Timeless information bro! Thanks!

My friend Eric told me about you a couple of years ago. Now that I'm looking at a Honda, this video came up. Thank you for this information. I will check those items out before getting the car.

Hey Eric! Appreciate the info, just wanted to know, can the IAC Valve prevent a motor from starting up as well?

Excellent video! I appreciate the fact that you don't want us to just throw our money into parts & want us to actually get a diagnostic / codes when engine light on. I actually own a 2000 Honda Civic & have been experiencing this particular idle situation. I'm thinking the TPS as well. First chance I get, getting that good ole screw driver & giving it a tap or two while engine running. Thanks so much for all your great videos. You rock! P.S. Yes I had a simple diagnostic done, but said all cylinders misfiring. LOL! And as we all know that could be a bunch of things, so not playing the process of elimination game :) (I'm a smart girl...my Daddy taught me well) Thanks again.

He makes it clear in other vids that a garage makes money on replacing parts... not cleaning yours or with mechanic labor rates. If you can do it or find a local amateur who is skilled... do the simple stuff for yourself. A skilled guy who is not a pro mechanic can be very handy and pay him what he asks and thank him ! Air hose replacement, ATF drain/refill and new filter, PCV replace and maybe the hose(s) for it, air filter, engine oil and oil filter change, etc. . you can do for yourself, for most fellas, if you are fairly handy with tools and have them.

I bought a 1996 Honda Passport 3.2 4wd 217k when I bought it little over a year ago 253k now runs pretty decent just wanting to do different types of mods more HP upgrade .... Suspension lift .... this is the first Honda ever owned had a few problems but nothing out of the ordinary still has a few bugs but I'm working them out I would like to know where to find info so I can have more knowledge on my truck .... I watch ur videos every chance I get .... great information .... thanks again Eric

your voice matches with that of George Clooney

one thing I find weird is my 96 civic when warm, when you push in the clutch it stalls makes it fun at stop signs and red lights

Still people watching your videos from 12 years ago ❤

Hi Eric, crazy that I'm watching this Honda idle issue again after 10 years. My son have issue with his 97 civic so I come back to your channel. Funny how 10years make a difference. Still looking good. Hehe

May 2019 this video helped

My 1992 Honda Accord idles up and down while in park. When I'm driving it does just fine, it only does it in park or neutral. Why? Also, car only goes into gear while it's off meaning I have to put it into reverse to back out of my driveway and once I get to the end of the driveway in order to go forward I have to turn the car off, put it in first and go, and the same thing applies when I stop at red lights and stop signs.

Greetings ETG and thanks for the information and philosophy. I had a problem with the idle (hunting) on my Odyssey 2001 4 cylinder, the manuals I found all referred to a throttle adjustment screw on the throttle body but this model (RA6 4 cylinder in Australia) does not have a throttle adjust screw. When I removed the IAC valve (IACV) for the second time and cleaned it, this time I separated the electronic component from the IACV body and cleaned the valve shaft and case, this fixed the hunting problem but idle was 1100rpm instead of 700rpm. I noticed that the IAC electronic component screw slots are elongated and allow a small clockwise / anticlockwise (maybe 5%) adjustment. I put it all back together (the hunting problem resolved) and sure enough, a small but significant idle adjustment. You are an inspiration.

He's right, I just found out the hard way & spent 1,200. I replaced fuel pump early & still had crank no start had all 4 things compression spark etc. In hail Mary all or nothing I bombed it & bought new assembly on 2 veterans recommendations on what was wrong by both of them listening to my car over the phone, over the phone they both go "well first off, you got all 4 & I'm pretty sure it's your fuel assembly. Replace whole unit" & other says within 4 seconds he says "replace your fuel sending assembly call me after it starts for relearn" lol it started. I watched a million of your vids man & I don't think I saw crank no start on 2005 civic where everything works, car primed & fuel was even coming out where tank meets line, it just wasn't enough pressure. You steered me in right area, thank you.

What should I do if once I turn on my Ac my idle drops as if it's gonna die, and while I'm driving as soon as I let off the gas the rpms drop to quick (almost like a second handbrake). Also I will have low power when taking off but sometimes it would get short surges of power out if nowwhere. But once I turn my ac off everything is back to normal. I drive standard by the way

I must be 🤪 but I can’t seem to figure out how to get to the fast idle control I have a 1997 Acura 2.2cl

Thank you very much. I found out the problem of my car after a long struggle... I'm following you 11 years after the video was posted. Thank you

He is no hand down the best car guy on KZfaq, nice videos great angles and doesn't over explain

Your instruction on how to adjust the fast idle thermal valve isn't correct, or should I say was misleading. By your example you say to snug it down, but due to the location of this valve, most people will do this work with the car off. If you snug it down cold, then you will get no cold air bypass, as the valve extends when coolant warms it, thus sealing off the bypass air when warm. So, to clarify, if the car is cold, DO NOT tighten down the FITV all the way, it needs to allow some bypass air. The valve will heat, extend and shut off the air if working properly. The simplest suggestion to tell if the FITV is your issue, is with the car idling, inside the throttle body there will be two holes on the left INSIDE the throttle body, one high and one low. The lower hole is for the fitv. When at normal operating temp and the intake removed, plug the lower hole with your finger...if it is pulling vacuum, the FITV needs adjusted. This is the most common cause for the bouncing idle.

Hey help me out. I have major low rpm it is near the zero. What should I do?

I’m here in 2024 you basically told me I need a new one. My d16y7 has been sitting for a few years and I’m resurrecting it and I’m totally fine with that, no need to beat up an old part.

Thanks Eric! This video inspired me to keep going and I solved the issue! Filthy IAC One thing -- I tried tapping the IAC with a screwdriver to no avail, but it did end up being the issue. For others with this issue: do not count on tapping on the IAC to free it. I cleaned it and it has been working for 6 months.

I wish I found you before I took my car to the mechanic and got sodomized. Nevertheless, thank you so much for the wisdom you imparted to an ignoramus such as myself.

Hi, I have a Honda CR-V 2000, 2.0... I have replaced the Electronic Idle Control and I am still having the same problem with revs going up and down in idle. I have no check engine light on, So what I am gonna do is try the Fast Idle Control, Air in the cooling system and vacum leak... Thanks so much!!

Thank you so much! I just did a valve replacement on my 99 CRV by myself and your videos helped me all the way! I really appreciate what you do!

Eric, Thank you so much. I started watching for the Fairmont project, and since starting watching, I currently only own Honda products. I've loved them, but was not familiar with how some of the systems work - your videos have allowed me to fix several issues over the last few years. I try to remember to both like and comment on any of your videos I watch to help with KZfaq metrics and monetization issues.

Can someone help me with my problem . my honda accord 2003 v6 has an low idle . There is a check engine which reads low idle . i changed the spark plugs because someone told me its because of it but nothing changed . and because of the low idle i cant turn on my a/c . every time i have to stop on a stop sign i have to keep my foot on the gas . Thanks

EVERYBODY CHANGE TPS SENSOR 40 BUCKS ON EBAY!!!!!!!!

Watched this in 2015 when I had my first car 97' Integra surging idle. Back again 7 years later with the same issue on a 04 accord. You da man! 🤙

11 years later and still the best advice iv found thank you much

Approach to Honda Idle Problems: (1st) check for air in the cooling system, (2nd) check for vacuum leak, (3rd) if you have idle problems and a check engine light, find out what's going on with the check engine light first and then other options, (4) can tap the IAC while it surges to see if changes things, (5) check fast idle valve.

13 years later and this video, still help me 👍🏼

Thank you so much! One day after work my Odyssey started surging while idling and even when driving, I was a bit nervous but thankful for your video!

Eric, thanks for these great vids and your teacher's heart. Perhaps if you have a minute you can suggest a starting point for me here: Summertime: Car starts and runs great with cold A/C. After 30 min or so of driving A/C no longer cold and idle surging up and down. Turn off A/C and idle normalizes. Turn off car and turn back on and idle is normal w/ A/C on, but A/C not cold. Thanks so much!

11 years old video still helps me out,thanks eric

You are a very logical and sound minded person. I hope you get back in return for your helpfulness.

10 years. Still good to watch

subbed....as far as speech, tone, camera angles, and descriptions you are by far the best you-tuber to learn from.

Don't throw parts at it. Wow, an honest mechanic. Went to R&S about 15 years ago to diagnose a overheating Grand Marque. The kid, said, "oh yea, its the fan, motor, it needs to be replaced" I said, well I don't thinks so, what if that didn't fix it? He and I went back and forth and I pretty much figured out that he was, in his brilliant diagnostic mind, just replacing all of the parts that could be the problem. I told him, if we do it your way, I'm only going to pay for the first thing you want to replace, the rest is on you. He told me to go somewhere else. R&S eventually closed because of issues with the Attorney General. I am not a professional mechanic, but you know. a back yard one, so I know that you need to think on your feet to save money. Most professional mechanics I know, won't be honest like you and admit, that you guys replace parts rather than clean them because you don''t make money cleaning them. I'm ok with that, just not diagnosing by replacing like that rip off R&S. Great video and your the man...

Had this problem with my 2014 Acura TL after driving fast in hot dry weather then idling for a while with the AC and radio on. I replaced the timing belt and water pump myself just before the trip and put about 1,000 miles on with no issues. The temperature was normal on the gauge. The car bogged down in reverse for a few seconds. Never happened before and hasn't happened since. I spent a few hours in the hotel looking over videos. I decided that if it didn't repeat itself, that I could get it home. Drove another 600 miles with no issues. I'm going to take a look at it again today to see what it could be.

Eric ! miss that time when I learned a lot about hondas with your videos, good times!

Hi eric, just a quick one. I've just done a clutch on a civic type-r that had been sat for a few weeks. After the work i found the revs were as you say hunting. After a bit of a run and half a litre of water in the rad its all clear. I've put it down to a low battery (car struggled to start) and the addition of water has sorted it. The engine warning light was on and now its clear (disconnected the battery for 10 minutes).

Just watching a few of his videos. Was having issues with a good car, scared to take on the repair. He is correct, get dirty, you might surprise yourself. I can't believe the work I did that I didn't think was possible. The odd friend helped big time. Even other customers and self serve wreckers. Wouldn't be driving if it weren't his videos. Stay dirty.

This totally just worked for me I had and up and down idle problem I tapped on that unit in your video and now my car is idling just fine no more up and down thanks very much Eric

I unplugged the iacv and the idle smoothed out and stopped surging, good video 9 years later lol

I had a surging Idle problem in my B20B 95 Integra and this WORKED! Just had to tighten down the fastle idle valve cuz it was really loose. Was a pain in the ass to get to but it worked so thanks Eric!