2009/2013-2018 Kawasaki Mule 4010 low idle problem SOLVED

[@micahlacombe2168]

I had a slightly different model but cleaning the throttle body got it from running terrible, barely starting, and ultra fast idle then dying in gear at idle to running like NEW. I did buy a can of throttle body cleaner instead of risking brake cleaner bc of the sensors; sprayed the guts out of it heavily and reassembled. Worked great first try!

[@edwardsmcreynolds1268]

I followed your instructions on my 2016 4010 with 472 hours and it did not solve the problem on 12/27/2023. Took to dealer yesterday, service manager does not think there is a fix. Dirty engine is his description. I purchased this mule new and selling dealer has replaced parts and clean parts shortly after original purchase. Kawasaki simple put out a defective product that will never perform as advertised.

[@aaronwhittle]

interesting, did you try removing the throttle body completely and and cleaning? did you make sure you got the right hoses? I think I also had to idle mine up just a tad.

[@StarknightMT_official]

Hello, Are you interested in testing our products? We would like to invite you to test the Camo Seat Cover for your Kawasaki Mule 4010 (if your car year is 2009-2022

[@jjuggernaut3218]

Also good to note. Do NOT manually move the butterfly plates! It will strip the little gear inside. If you need to remove the throttle body remove the same bolts/nuts in this video, disconnect all the plugs, slide the throttle body towards the passenger side and use vice grips to remove the long bolts (it IS a BOLT not a stud) then you can pull the whole throttle body out. I bought extra bolts just in case I stripped/bent/broke them, and I would suggest that! Or you can do what it says in the manual and drain your coolant, disconnect the fuel lines, pull the intake manifold (hope you bought gaskets for everything!!!). By the book it’s a royal PITA!!!

[@johnhammons790]

I did that to my 2016 about a year ago and it fixed the issue and is still running fine. Shortly after I had a NKG spark plug break the ceramic insulator around the center electrode causing a sporadic misfire that would mimic the low idle issue. Just something else to look out for

[@PaulCherry-vc3we]

How did you cap off the hose that goes to the breather tube?

[@aaronwhittle]

Are you referring to the hose that goes back into the air intake?

[@HughButler-lb6zs]

I have the same problem with my 2018 Mule 4010. Took it to the dealer and it was OK for about a month. Then took it to my small engine repair dude, and it was OK for about 2 months. They are probably cleaning the throttle body which is a temporary fix. This is my first and last Kawasaki product. I am going to sell this POS and buy a Kubota. I bought this machine to work in my garden. I did not buy it to work on it.

[@aaronwhittle]

Yeah - it's pretty disappointing. I wonder how the the other OEMs handled all the re-circ stuff. My solution has worked no problem. You can even run the crank case vent hose through the catch can and back into the intake to be EPA and friendly, and it still works.

[@jjohnston6645]

Are the sensors safe to spray carb cleaner on? I hear the air flow sensor is easy to ruin. Thanks for the video.

[@aaronwhittle]

Hey - I didn't, nor would I. There's a sensor connection right where you open the throttle body and I disconnected it and covered with a clean rag. I don't have an actual answer but I'd hang my hat on caution.

[@hectorshep]

I own a 2012 and replaced the throttle body last yr, re routed the crank case hose from the new throttle body. It ran good for a while, now it runs like shit !. Either going to buy a diesel model, or a different machine.. Kawsaki is not a quality machine !

[@SPNDJRN]

Thanks! My Mule is running like new again and hopefully the can collector will keep it that way.

[@whywedrink]

Do you have the part # for the catch can. I see a lot of them but they all have the breather on the top... Thanks for the video !

[@aaronwhittle]

Here is the one I got RULLINE Oil Catch can kit,air Oil Separator,Oil Catch Can Tank, Universal Reservoir with Breather Hose Kit Aluminum Polish Baffled 350ml Black a.co/d/8oyZomb

[@thefarmingginger]

Prob’m solved ✔️

[@Horseman7621]

I have a question sir If I'm a Mexican citizen but in the US illegal I'm not on any terrorist watch list does this mean the epa rules don't apply to me

[@aaronwhittle]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@strangus]

the 2019 has this issue too. I have one with 50 hours on it, and I am about to add the catch can. Like the previous comment, I'm gonna go Kubota next.

[@aaronwhittle]

Be sure and clean the throttle body thoroughly and add the catch can. Should help, if not cure the issue.

[@strangus]

What happens if you just disconnect the hose to the air intake?

[@aaronwhittle]

You can have the crank case vent hose go stop at the catch can and then plug the intake. While this may be the 'best' option for the machine, I don't think it's EPA approved (whatever that means). Though, you'd think that the catch can would 'catch' all the bits of oil and such that come into the catch can.