sudden idle drop..

MXcrazy · Postby **MXcrazy** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 6:53 pm

I'm not sure if this has been covered before, but I hope it hasn't.

recently, my mx5 has begun to idle quite badly, especially in warmer weather and immediately upon stopping. The idle drops abnormally low, sometimes such that the car shudders pretty severely. The idle sometimes quickly returns to normal and other times remains low until I accelerate. i've also heard that this is synonomous with poor mileage, though I can't say i've experienced it.

is there an easy remedy for this???

all feedback/information greatly appreciated.

RG.net · Postby **RG.net** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 7:09 pm

this was happening to me a while ago. i changed my 02 sensor and a few days later it all cleared up. i would suggest changing that first, if that doesnt work try your leads. (i did this in reverse as my leads were rooted!) also check your spark plugs, mine were burnt out.

goodluck

MXcrazy · Postby **MXcrazy** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 7:24 pm

Thanks MXHEVN... Can i pick up a generic 02 sensor??, (because genuine mazda parts certainly aren't cheap). If so, where can i get one, and is there much work required to install it?? I'm a bit of a noob haha

RG.net · Postby **RG.net** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:12 pm

well i am running a bosch 02 sensor, i bought it from my local repco for $70, with this, you will need to reconnect the wires via crimping plugs on them. where abouts are you in sydney, i could help you if you'd like. shoot me a pm.

Moto · Postby **Moto** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 11:53 am

I had this problem, changing plugs seemed to clear it up.

Patty · Postby **Patty** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:14 pm

I also sometimes have this problem but mine doesn't sound as bad as yours. It can dip to 500rpm sometimes but usually goes away when she warms up. Must be an NB8A thing. Try looking up 'idle dip' if you still have probs.
http://mx5cartalk.com/phpBB-3.0.2/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=28508&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=idle+dip&start=15

gobsmax · Postby **gobsmax** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:38 pm

i have a very similar/same problem on my NA6...ill change the O2 sensor and/or leads on the weekend and let you know how i go

Postby **Okibi** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 3:36 pm

The idle drop is a common NB8A problem, loads of different things seem to be blamed.

Also look at cleaning your intake manifold especially the idle bipass and ports that come out of it to vacuum lines.

Cleaning out your ERG also has helped a few people.

Alex · Postby **Alex** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:46 pm

I would check out the o2 sensor, although I have no experience with this problem you just had the exhaust done so they might be related (unless you had this problem before)

bensale · Postby **bensale** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:58 pm

Is it possible to do the manual idle speed adjustment on a Nb? Although one would think that they would have that problem sorted by the time they relesed the NB.

Fatty · Postby **Fatty** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:09 pm

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MXcrazy · Postby **MXcrazy** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 9:28 pm

It couldn't have been the exhaust, because I had the problem prior to installation.

I'm planing to head down to Repco tomorrow to pick up a bosch o2 sensor, which hopefully eliminates the problem....

fingers crossed

oongie · Postby **oongie** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:48 am

My NB8B did this same thing today.
On cold everytime the car was in neutral the idle would drop to 600RPM but once warm stopped doing this.

I'll see if this happens again tomorrow morning and then maybe the get a new O2 sensor from repco...

Does the idle drop issue start out of the blue or are there symptoms that lead up to this?