Car Engine Revving Up and Down? How to Diagnose Engine Surge!

For More Info visit us at: 1aau.to/h/cpC/
Is your car or trucks engine revving up and down? That's called engine surge, and Sue is going to show you what you can do about it! In this video, Sue shows you how you can do an easy diagnostic without any special tools, to determine if the idle air control (IAC) valve in your car or truck is acting up!
Check out this playlist for more great videos showing you how to diagnose problems yourself at home!
• Driveway Diagnostics!
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/cpC/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@travelinman482]

I have an “engine surge” problem on my 2017 Chevy Malibu. KZbin recommended this video to me. So, would this ‘diagnosis’ work the same for my car?

[@spelunkerd]

As you say, vac leak, stuck open EGR, dirty throttle body/carb, bad PCV, bad fuel, misfires, bad temp sensor, and many other problems will cause searching or stumbling idle. I'll guess that the vast majority of IAC replacements are done on perfectly good IAC valves. You get so much more info from live data even in a cheap scan tool these days, it makes sense to be sure of the diagnosis before blasting off the parts cannon.

[@1AAuto]

+spelunkerd Thanks for the tip! We'll pass this info along to our production team.

[@saraaronzon4562]

I literally had to pull over due to same issue, car was sending RPMs all over the place. It was though it was struggling to breathe. While awaiting tow truck, I watched your video. You are amazing thank you so much. It's very scary.

[@LukeTelff]

I am a mechanic and I watched this video and enjoyed it. I normally work on stuff 2015 and newer being at a dealership. Gave you a Thumbs up.

[@mobilecentral]

Perfect information that I can use. So simple to follow. I love this mechanic as she didn't take a lot of time or discussion to get right to the point. I am going to see if this is the problem with my car, but even if not, I sure do appreciate her.

[@ailaz1]

Awesome thank you always great videos from you all.

[@TheMenuisier]

Great video, very helpful, solved my problem on my Bmw Z3, many thx 🙏

[@billydoyle9984]

Good morning You are a Great Teacher --- Articulate and Concise., Iam a retired electrician and assistant electrical engineer that did schematics, iam repairing my own cars, however one day I will make a schematic detailing these electrical controls just like boiler systems. Thank you and I wish you a Wonderful day.

[@elgatogordo9523]

Thanks for the info 👍

[@Anthony-td6mn]

My car surges when it is in neutral and the accelerator is pressed slightly. Pressing the accelerator more heavily eliminates the issue as the engine rpm will just climb as normal. It feels almost like a rev limiter. Any ideas on what to do? Also, the engine seems to have a high idle (almost 1500rpm) at all temperatures.

[@dougjones4987]

Great tip. Thanks

[@kellyspann9845]

This is exactly what my old 93 Grand Am GT with a 3.3L engine is doing. When in park it rev's from 500 rpm to 1000 rpm like it has a heart beat. It just started to idle rough and almost dies at a stop sign or traffic light. I will look for this on my car if I can find it. Not sure where it is. Thanks for the great video !

[@dramirez7981]

I love you guys..💯💪

[@dtramos]

HONDERRRRR!!! I love Sue

[@javiernunez5095]

Thanks a million

[@anthonynicholls8010]

Great video ✌️✌️

[@M3GAN3116]

Thanks 👍

[@neilyakuza6595]

Love your guys instructionals. It has saved me money on brake jobs.

[@stevenb1767]

Thank you for the tip worked on my 04 honda pilot 3.5 . 3.5 has a map sensor. also idle dropped instantly when I covered the hole

[@kvhowells]

I have a surge occasionally with my 1995 Honda del sol ...im getting it checked out today

[@vprince9907]

So can this test be performed on a 2007 ford edge sel awd 3.5l v6 suv ? I don't recall seeing a port inside of the suv throttle body. And I have no idea where the IAC part you mentioned and spoke on is located on suv either....I am experiencing this precise issue I see the rpm needle go up & down slightly

[@joewilson1522]

Hmm great info got a SEVERE idle surge but threw a maf low voltage code but wire connection seems fine replaced maf but same code same problem I’ll go after the iac and give it a clean for good measure

[@joewilson1522]

So for anyone in the future with this program check the charging system it cost nothing but time (if you have a multimeter) and multimeters don’t cost much my idle surge and even surge and stalling I had was a combination of failing alternator poor battery terminal connection weak fuel pump and a faulty cam sensor

[@kevinpalmer4137]

The surges which I am experiencing lead shortly to the engine cutting out, there are no codes, just like you described but my car does have a mass air intake sensor, so I wonder if I can still preform this test

[@tvviewer4500]

Please do a 2.4 ecotec surge breakdown. At what point is an overhaul better?

[@alapon77]

Good tutorial! Would this also apply to an engine surging while driving at a certain RPM?

[@robertself9988]

Awesome

[@nelsonmorales6831]

Usually an Idle air control valve problem is seen on a code scan. Vacuum leaks can cause the surging as you say but there are other fuel modulating components that can cause these problems. Your situation is brand specific and the vehicle is not mentioned or posted

[@toXic_viRus01]

They mentioned in the beginning it is 02 Honda Accord with a 3.0 ..

[@babycakes8434]

,I had a bad IAC valve in my buick and no code.But the car was dying after 5mins of running.

[@jahaxer]

Beginning of video says '02 Honda Accord with a 3.0 motor

[@e.r.videography6209]

It is mentioned. This is a Honda V6 which is common in most Honda models.

[@gemini1965]

super, right now i have that exact same problem on a toltaly different car. but now i have another spot to look at.

[@1AAuto]

+gemini1967 Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@WellWisdom.]

The camera work needs improvement. The information is superb.

[@edgarpadilla7397]

Yeah, my Del Sol would do this. Before buying the part, remove the IAC and clean it with carburator cleaner. Let dry and replace.

[@PanamaSticks]

My mother's 2001 4 cyl. Camry surges up sometimes when I hit the brakes for an intersection or curve. Also, when cold the first start produces about 5-8 second s of rough idle before dying. On the second start it runs smooth. Iz this an IAC problem or a sticking throttle?

[@nadeem5476]

just want to know that when the car is NOT idling and it is running over 4 rpm around 120 kilometers per hour speed so what would be the reading of IAC valve on OBD2? plz note that car is having Cable less electronic throttle body. my car shows IAC readings fluctuating during drive too, is it normal ? thanks. in advance.

[@theextremeteam4733]

I will be cleaning that tommorow

[@29madmangaud29]

SO,,,,,is it something that can be "cleaned" for it to seat down properly?

[@LEVIAHAN]

Hi, my car is having this surge but then it stalls with the check engine light comes on. Could it still be the IAC valve? Thanks in advance.

[@MrWontstopthefunk]

So I’m having an issue when the air conditioning is running, at a stop, traffic, stop light etc, it will surge up and down from 750-450. Ver noticeable. Could this be the issue? Haven’t stalled yet. It’s also odd it only does it when ac is on.

[@qrs3658]

after changing the valve some cars especially hondas will require an idle relearn

[@skiddliddandy2666]

I had this problem after having my car remapped but only when the engine was cold, removed the remap and fixed the problem. Could this still be a hardware issue or a poor remap?

[@pacesferry]

Do you have a video about surges during driving? My Toyota Rush has been having this problem for years !! Thank you🥰

[@abbasibrahim5073]

Did you fix it

[@johnvmtb5440]

I'm having that problem on my 2003 Honda Pilot I hope its the same application and fix my problem

[@Tasfik]

How expensive is it to fix it?

[@Recording-artist]

Thanks beautiful

[@ebrahimvally1037]

My honda ballade luxline S04 1998 150i manual surges and I've tried everything on it,the map sensor was working until a mechanic messed it up and now it revs upto 2000 RPMS only when the engine is hot and surges,please help

[@lowveil]

I hadnt started my acura integra for about 3 weeks because there was a huge coolant leak in the water pump. When i first started it to put it on a tow truck to bring to a shop, it was surging and revving up and down while idled. it did this for about a minute, maybe a little longer, then stopped and started running like normal. is that normal, or is something else up?

[@COMPACTTVHD]

Normal. You’ll know when it’s something else

[@rickreed8586]

It was more than likely surging due to the low coolant level. Once you get the leak repaired in the cooling system and all the air bled out of the system the idle ability will be ok.

[@Scatpack23]

My 05 accord 4 cyl the idle goes up and down when I let off the gas ? What should I replace or check ?

[@anthonysmith5979]

I fitted a Noid light to one of the injector terminals and found that when the surge reached the highest rpm the injection stopped until the revs dropped to idle and the whole process repeated. Found it to be the C.P.S. replaced now ok Honda Civic 2002 D17z motor

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

I have a 97 Grand Prix GT 3.8 with same symptoms. I have cleared throttle body maf sensor and IOC. Both sensors are plus new oxygen sensors. Still surging code P0102

[@1AAuto]

+Hot Rod 1949 We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@iamdrewski39]

have you checked for a vacuum leaks

[@papaoreo4824]

I have an audi 1.6 80 carb and i don't see a sensor like that. I have the same problem.I have changed at least 20 mechanics and no one has fixed it. Pls help

[@bthompson1767]

Will this cause your engine to shake and rough idle when you go in reverse or drive and get on it

[@ChiinoGee]

Bad ignition coil/s and/or plugs.

[@ChiinoGee]

Vaccuum leak. Maf sensor, if you have one.

[@kidnextdxxr]

@@ChiinoGee 1992 Honda Accord with a f20b swap. Use to run fine n idles fine now. But when I hit the gas in neutral the engine rpm’s jus go up and down???

[@roxanneneuman8954]

I have a 2002 f150 when you turn A/C on it idles up and down replace the Idle control valve and replaced a old hose going to the throttle body does not have a code where should I look next

[@ffhjvbuydb78eb]

My truck does this at highway speed. It surges a few hundred RPMS and once in awhile it will do a big surge. I've taken it to multiple shops and no one knows what they are doing.

[@fredburnsiv1230]

02 2.5 v6 freelander SE.pvc valve

[@rashidmuhammad621]

Similar issues but it was a bad battery not sending the right voltage. Alternator was doing all the work.

[@connornobbs3487]

My rpms surge and i get almost no acceleration, but it only happens between 40-70mph. New transmissions aswell. 2000 v6 mustang btw.

[@abimariavargas7086]

What would cause surge while driving ..have a97 civic

[@whoisharo4689]

I've got a problem with a hyundai and changed/replaced everything EVERYTHING mentioned here and in comments and STILL have an idle problem. Sometimes its so low its about to die out. Other times it idles at 4000 rpm and sounds like its gonna blow. I replaced fuel press reg, PCV valve, purge valve, upper and lower manifold gaskets, spark plugs, IAC valve, temp sensor, timing belt, and still have a problem. Can't locate to save my life!! Losing my mind!!

[@LuisRamos-ci9pb]

throttle body?

[@whoisharo4689]

@@LuisRamos-ci9pb i just saw your comment a year later. You ended up being correct!!

[@JaydenLawson]

Mine surges under power tho - not idle. Is it the same fix?

[@adeltag3832]

I have ford explorer 2018 rpm is fluctuating on uphill when at low rpm, so i have to press the gas to relieve the rpm fluctuation. Anybody here have the experience like this? I want to know what can i do to fix this. Thanks

[@tomfoolery5665]

I almost want this problem I have the same car as a run around town car. I'm a diesel mechanic so my cars are well maintained mine is now 19 yrs old only 124,000 on her

[@sivabai]

C200 mercedes kompressor 2007 model same issue?

[@khaul]

My wife’s car surges like that while she’s driving on the interstate, but not during regular idle, could this still be a very possible issue? 2015 Nissan Sentra with 52k miles on it, and no other issues with the car

[@1AAuto]

+Delete This We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@jdmchickkustomz9417]

What if you have maf? Cause I do

[@maribelsolorioalvarez7210]

I love a women Machanic 🤙🏻

[@xbluepuddingx]

Why won’t my car stay at 1500 rpm’s? When I get it there it sputters but past that like 2000 rpm it’s good and 0-1200 rpm’s is good. Idk what the cause is

[@lonniesmith6701]

I have a 05 2.3 ranger, it started with the idle revving up and dropping, push clutch in while driving rpms go up and fall, I've changed iac, tps and maf, cleaned throttle body, checked for vacuum leak, no leaks and it made no difference, idles around 1200 rooms at ldle, driving push clutch to change gears it revs to 2000 rpms, no codes showing I'm lost. Anyone experience this problem?

[@1AAuto]

+Lonnie Smith We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@xhinlow7763]

Have you solved the prob ? Mind sharing what’s the actual prob with this prob ? I’m facing the exact issues, sending to 5 mechanics for the prob but still can resolve, desperately need to know how to fix it thanks !

[@cruzdeleon1888]

What would cause engine to surge up and down as i am slowing down, for example as i slow down from 50mph, it shutters at around 30mph, then at 20mph, and one last time just before completely stopping at about 10mph...does it sound like a transmission issue?...or more like an engine idle issue like throttle body or similar engine issue?...thank you

[@rivasj07]

Same issue here any luck?

[@LuisRamos-ci9pb]

any luck guys

[@Steve0885]

Common problem with Hondas

[@joeysanchez5926]

Wow I always thought the iac was the one on top

[@samlafiura639]

So what if that doesn't fix the surge? Where fo you look next?

[@clinthovey9713]

B

[@reeshabmaharaj6832]

That’s on a non turbo car fool how to test ?

[@smokenbudesq]

LOL THATS NOT THE ONLY CAUSE COULD BE ONE OF MANY THINGS.

[@bennygreene1421]

What causes surging while you are driving, feels like throttle open.

[@1AAuto]

+Benny Greene We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@hedzb5954]

immediately I'm thinking like 'alright who's this bech'

[@smokenbudesq]

LOL RIGHT DO YOU EVEN TEST ANY THING LOL AMATURE MECHANIC COULD BE ANY THING NOT JUST IAC.

[@ryannyc2919]

are you male or female? hard to tell

[@mentalevolution13]

What the fuck does that have to do with the video??? Smh