Causes When Engine RPM Revving Up and Down at Idle While Parked or Stopped

The most common causes when an engine RPMs are revving up and down at idle and the vehicle is parked or stopped.
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*If possible, scan for engine OBDII error codes.
Common Causes
Dirty Throttle Body
Throttle Position Sensor
Idle Air Control Valve
Vacuum Leak
www.backyardmechanic.org
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[@dave95841]

2004 Honda Pilot. Starting it up after more than a year not running. Battery bad, but It started and ran fine, then began to fluctuate between 1000 and 2000rpm. I put it in gear and it drove into the driveway. I will be looking at it later. Thanks for the first places to look.

[@Baileys.small.engine.repair]

Did you figure out what the issue is?

[@juliobrian4757]

Straightforward information for a common problem. I like it.

[@pstreetgarage7304]

Yes. Great list of problems, very helpful

[@michaelcoleman6553]

Thank you for being so straightforward 💪🏾💪🏾

[@plugged254]

My 1998 EJ 20 run at 2000 rpm then drop to 1500 rpm, back fires and some time stall during acceleration also hard start. Have been trying to work on throttle sensors without success but i can drive it around. Good lesson i will keep on pushing hard to fix all the problem

[@b.j.daniels8363]

Very informational and easy to understand. Thank you

[@xxjorgexx11]

Bro got everything across in 3 minutes. thanks 🙏

[@kevinmetcalf6371]

Thank you

[@clodoaldomarques401]

It was very helpful my friend, than you very much.

[@coldfinger459sub0]

Caught my eye when I seen Chanel called ( HVAC Machanic) then seen car repair videos 👍 Same skills needed in both trades

[@user-rp8px4oo8m]

Great video helped alot. Thanks

[@jflip6k]

Got 93' Citroen revving up to 4k in neutral. My mechanic says its the throtle body so i have to replace it this video was really helpful

[@Mauser1965]

Throttle position sensor is a potentiometer that provides information on how open the throttle is. Air idle control is actually an actuator that opens and closes to regulate air flow. If there's a vacuum leak the computer is trying to regulate the air flow via the air idle control, which assumes there are no leaks. So surging can take place, or complete dropped in idle or even the engine stopping. The butterfly in the body itself is just a valve. Throttle position senor can also effect and automatic transmissions shifting. But if you have a fully equipped spare, you could swap things to find out what has failed or needs to be replaced. The concept of what is covered in this content is still valid for those vehicles that do not have a ODBII port. I am aware of this as I have a vehicle that has a system designed by Renault and Bendix.

[@jflip6k]

@@Mauser1965 yeah my mecânico Said that the guy who was trying to 'fix" my car messed up the throttlle body sensors. He Said he tuned them by hand with no device...... He just said if i get a new butterfly the problem will bem fixed

[@jeremylucas6819]

4k rpm?!! I would have been afraid to drive it! Lol

[@aleahhaven7323]

Are any of those problems serious to the point of a breakdown or can they lead to a more serious problem?

[@roderickr35]

I found a 5/16 hose with a pop out pressure valve on the passenger side underneath my 2014 Silverado next to the transmission dipstick,it was leak air,

[@robertlosley3347]

2001Ford Expedition, Triton V8 engine keeps accelerating when in drive. Any suggestions on cause

[@craigschmied]

have a 2015 chevy cruze 1.4 turbo,when starting idles a little high then goes down,then when take off it stalls and after a couple restarts runs fine and no codes?

[@damonzaccagnini7036]

What all did you have to do for wiring im putting this swap into my ford courier and there is no info online for it. Been winging everything but trying to get wiring information now

[@dearjulio]

Great video! Super clear 😎👍

[@eddiessessio]

Hi. Does it also apply to the diesel engines... Say GWM STEED 3 2008?

[@johnwarburton684]

It can also be a crank shaft position sensor or a bad fuel pump or a maf sensor problem or a bad throttle body if the vehicle has one

[@johnwarburton684]

I mean a bad mass air flow sensor if it has one . Or a bad crankshaft position sensor which all vehicles have i apologize for the screw up

[@nadsm5791]

hi there 03 bmw e46 agter idle start when secondary airpump shuts down engine hesitating chk engine lights on and if u clear check engine light everything is fine ,when engine is warm nothing happens during start up . injectors , coils, intake hoses , fuel pump , idle valve,spark plugs, engine oil , transmission oil expansion tank, all replace no change. please reply vaccum hoses in front check not the rear ones

[@muzic4lyfe2005]

Only once in a while this happens, and feels like it will stall but doesn't.....could it be an o2 sensor? I know i have a manifold gasket leak cause i see the oil 😮

[@American11B]

I have this issue. I cleaned my throttle body and have a new iacv sensor. But my code was P1086. I replaced that TGV. I preloaded it when installing the new one. Now I have P1087 code. Any thoughts?

[@peacepoet1947]

Have an older vehicle a 94 GMC 7.4 engine . At high idle the rps drop for a few seconds and then goes back to high rpms during 2500 rpms. Not sure what the drop is.

[@user-Houdini127]

I wish you could help more

[@liskya3187]

how much normal take to shop to fix that

[@dogsrule4935]

On my 2018 Mazda 32.5 L it idles at 5:50 but changes to 720 when the air conditioning compressor turns on. I’ve cleaned the throttlebody and checked everything and nothing seems to fix it. Is this a computer issue can be solved with the programming fix?

[@valeriebroussard630]

haven’t fixed it yet but I found a crack in a connector that goes to break booster, that might be the problem. It doesn’t always happen.

[@user-br5jy9pi8t]

My Reanult Grand scenic 2 2007 2.0 dci petrol its revv is going up and down and it loses power and shut or switch itself off

[@dantesmith3664]

thank you sir. This is a good video. sadly I've done all of these and mine still has it. it is minimal so i think ill just keep an eye on it

[@Mauser1965]

Other couple possibilities... Have you checked the fuel line pressure? Or something as simple as a fuel filter?

[@dantesmith3664]

@@Mauser1965 good ideas and thank you. I think I'm good there. It has fast throttle feedback and I have changed the fuel filter recently.

[@thankfulblessed3774]

Try replacing the spark plugs. I just watched a video from Scotty Kilmer and he was talking about how a lot of people will try to troubleshoot all kinds of things before they even change the spark plugs. I’m going to try it on my Tahoe because it’s doing the same thing.

[@dantesmith3664]

@@thankfulblessed3774 Done but thank you. I actually wish I hadn't. With 180k they still looked great. needed to be re-gapped but they were good.

[@arifharichund8829]

Bantam 1.3 rocam. Is idling but not revving up.?. Please help

[@Sunkissed314]

If going to a dealership, how would I know that they won't say it's a bigger issue than what it really is. I don't want to be taken advantage of.

[@Anthony-fe4oj]

What if it revs while driving too

[@Xellossnut]

I'm not sure if you would know the answer to this but I do drive a 2016 blue bird visions bus with a Roush clean tech v10 according to what our shop mechanic told me. We are having an dicken's of a time trying to figure out a VERY random issue on the bus. Every once in a while, it will just shut itself off when its idling. I can be at a traffic light, parked in the yard or doing a student stop. The only consistent thing is that it always does it in an idle moment. But it can go weeks between shut downs and it always starts up right away. The mechanics have hooked it up to the computer and it is throwing NO codes, no error messages nothing. They have tried a new fuel pump, and some sort of new modual they "borrowed" from another sister bus and it keeps doing it. Some times it will surge the RPM's but that might happen 10 minutes or more before it actually shuts down if it decides to. We are at our wits end trying to figure out what is going on since its not giving us any clues as to check. I know its a long shot that you might know anything, but maybe some other things to look for out of the ordinary? We have 5 guys in our garage, and all of them are just bewildered as to why its doing this since nothing comes up anywhere about it. thank you for any help if any you can think of. We are stumped.

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

If it shuts off with no idling or sputtering, I would lean toward a wiring issue somewhere, but anything I say is a guess. Those types of issues can be the hardest to find.

[@robertserrato3596]

Other videos say to turn the key to on and then off then turn the engine on and step on the brake put the emergency brake then put the car in drive and let it idle for about 5 to 7 minutes. If it's a computer problem it will fix it

[@flex-im8yu2ok2v]

2007 nisaan sentra 2.0 idle air control valve location?

[@brandonrobishaw7606]

The only thing I can think of to add is the Oxygen sensor. Oxygen sensor signal tells the throttle how much to open.

[@Ntspage]

I have 2013 Cadillac CTS , there is no check engine light on but my keep on raving up and down while stopped on the red light , do any yall might know what I can do to make it drive smoothly 😁

[@hugo1655]

My compressor kicks on and off and thats when my truck revs up got no codes but a p430

[@user-bh1xw7iv3g]

Hello. I have a problem. Don’t have much to spend to take it to mechanic. I changed injectors myself. Now the whole engine is shaking. I just want to know holden commodore Omega VE series 2 LPG 2013. I have ordered manifold air intake gasket but it has no rubber or sealant something. Just wanna know does it really don’t need i have to buy some sealant or something else for it because it’s a metal piece that they call it gasket.

[@kkkhargeit]

If aftermarket injectors. You need tune

[@benzamarripa214]

We have a quick question for you, sir, we recently had the engine mounts in our daughters 2015 Audi A3, and after we picked up the vehicle from Firestone it started idling just like you described in your video while in park mode. Could changing engine mounts caused this? Thanks in advance!

[@HMGRWN420]

most likely a vacuum leak. hoses can get unplugged by accident while moving the engine up and down to change the mounts.

[@smhan4412]

What can be the cause of the RPM up and down, after the engine turns off and turns back on the RPM goes stable. When I drive a few miles the same thing happens Kindly advise RAV4 2001 (1998 cc) with engine 1AZ-FSE

[@georgiospapaloizou]

Same thing happens tomy W124 Mercedes

[@shushimushi]

Can this case problems also with the automatic transmission? RMP is very high on P and N 2500, sometimes even 4k. And when I'm driving there's total malfunction between the speed ans the RPM and I'm struggling to move. 😒

[@Mauser1965]

Vehicle speed sensor tolerance?

[@hvac42long1]

I have a 2008 corvette with no codes. Every now and then when coming to a stop the engine revs up and lunges forward. If I stay on brakes it stalls. Again, no codes found and does not happen all the time. Any idea what to look for?

[@canivaas_loreto9715]

Did you find out?

[@hvac42long1]

@@canivaas_loreto9715 other than being told to clean the throttle body, no. When it gets warmer outside I will be making some paint repairs and cleaning the throttle body. Any ideas yourself?

[@golfsea5911]

Not bad!

[@edmonddadak8439]

❤

[@Sam_DaMan]

My 89 Ford Bronco stalls, engine shuts off when i come to a complete stop.i replaced the tps, idle air valve, distributor, fuel filter. And still does it, any ideas?

[@jaykuroki5932]

Same thing happened to my 95 integra turns out part of the wire harness was messed up and not reading the vehicle correctly. Maybe that could be the cause?

[@Sam_DaMan]

@@jaykuroki5932 I'll check it out. Thanks

[@valeriebroussard630]

My RPMs go up when I press on the brake pedal. We just change master cylinder break booster pads and calipers. It stoped doing it for about 2 months. Now it’s happening again.

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

Check the brake booster vacuum line; it may be leaking and causing an issue.

[@valeriebroussard630]

@@HVAC_Mechanic I think it might be.

[@brainwin6881]

@@valeriebroussard630did you fix it?

[@serenasantiago1964]

My son has a 2018 volvo s90. I believe it's a 6 cylinder. He says that after he's been driving the car for awhile and comes to a stop light, the car will start reving up on it's own. Even though he has his foot on the break. He says this also happens when he puts the car in park. Do you know what could be causing this problem and maybe a little advise??

[@superfunpartytime6853]

Did you ever find out what the issue was? I have a 2007 Kia accelerating on its own.

[@TJones281]

Check for a vacuum leak at the brake booster

[@NEUR0MANCER_]

Just started happening when I clean my mass air flow sensor Do I need to replace it? Guy at AutoZone said that you can't spray the mass air flow sensor spray directly on the mass air flow sensor so it screwed it up it might have bent

[@gamessmanvids5707]

I am having issues with my ford F150 2009. it just had an engine replaced and started to rev on its own while parked after driving for maybe a couple minutes. it will rev and shake but drop the rpms down after the shake. Feels like a misfire by the lack of rhythm in the shaking. If you could help me figure this out, this would be great.

[@gamessmanvids5707]

Forgot to add that I already checked for any codes but non of them showed up. only a code for my TPMS sensors

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

The throttle body may need to Relearn. Often the computer can Relearn on its own, but it can vary and is vehicle specific.

[@jpalacess4735]

my camry started like that and after 2 days of not starting it it just wont start anymore

[@oz-fu8bk]

This is happening to me it was throwing p0300, I changed the spark plugs and boots, there is no more codes but now the rpm’s go up when I hit the breaks, it does seem like there’s a misfire still ? Please help

[@JereB698]

Check the vacuum line going to the brake booster it likely got disconnected

[@lindsaymus45]

Could this happen from a dirty or oily air filter ? I had an oil leak engine got washed ,and the filter got wet and dirty dirty. Going next week to get new one. I’m just worried. Is this a possible issue ?

[@jd646]

It could be that the MAF sensor is dirty or has oil on it

[@maheshbandara8290]

In generel, RPM level is at 1000, But once i turned on A/c, RPM goes down.. What can be the cause.? Toyota, Corolla

[@Khaled-tx5xj]

This happens to me every summer when I turn on my AC especially , at idle my 2014 F150 revs up and down then the engine dies with a low oil pressure warning on the dash . Sometimes when it’s on drive while stopped it jerks when the engine revs up .

[@Theprettiestoneboo]

The same thing is happening to me my car literally stops when I come to a break did u figure out what the issue is ?

[@mdzadz1530]

I also have the same issue what is exactly the problem anyone know

[@user-uj8lh5cc4j]

so did you figure it out im having the same too

[@hichamlaaraibi4586]

Exactly the same issue, hope someone can help.

[@chelseylavigne7154]

I have the same problem please let me know if you figure out a solution

[@user-gk9iq7gl7m]

This happened to my car after taking off air intake and cleaning it with air intake cleaner

[@ezwa9979]

Ql vid G👋

[@josemite_]

i tried cleaning the throttle body up and after I put everything back together my rpms are high and wont go down and check engile light is on hondaa accord 2008

[@JereB698]

After cleaning a throttle body, the cleaning fluid can cause high RPM and rich condition, which may trigger a code. It should clear after 4-5 minutes, though.

[@josemite_]

@@JereB698 that’s the thing it hasn’t. Maybe messed up one of the sensors

[@chrisjimenez2311]

My 2006 Chrysler 300 Srt does this, crank fuse blew and replace fuse and is good but once I turn on the car at idle the rpm go up and once I put it in drive it dies, throttle body has been replace and reprogrammed throttle body.

[@youngdayo6635]

Same i can let you know if i find anything on my issues, what codes do you have? Did you have any 02 codes

[@chrisjimenez2311]

@@youngdayo6635 had cam position faults and I replaced it now I just have misfire that all

[@youngdayo6635]

@@chrisjimenez2311 any limp mode?

[@chrisjimenez2311]

@@youngdayo6635 no sir, at time when it stays running and I’m able to put it in drive it jerks and at idle it sounds like it’s getting more air in the throttle body.

[@AdrianR.374]

Started my car yesterday and before I took it out of park I heard the engine revving as if I had my foot on the gas. And since I did not, I was freaking out. It was around 3000 rpms when I shut it off and it had no indication of stopping. It was like a stuck accelerator except I didn’t even touch the accelerator. After I gave it a minute to rest, I turned it on again and it went up to 2000, stayed there for a while, and sank down to 1500. Which I think is still pretty high for idling in park. Each time I turn it on it gets a little bit better but I’m too worried to drive it again. Any idea what that could be?

[@trynakillsu1]

Did you figure out what it is I’m having the same problem ! I’m waiting 3 weeks for the dealer to look at it now

[@AdrianR.374]

@@trynakillsu1 Unfortunately not. But it decided to stop doing it so that’s good at least lol

[@StarrSingoff_]

@@AdrianR.374mines was doing the same and now all of a sudden working. Any idea what it was

[@StarrSingoff_]

@@trynakillsu1any idea of what it was?

[@trynakillsu1]

@@StarrSingoff_ hey bro I’m waiting on my appointment this next Monday been sitting for now I’ll let you know what they say once they figure it out I had 2 different mechanics look at it and couldn’t figure it out

[@alalexander2771]

I have an audi a4 it idling high i to of the throttle body it is slightly open it doesn't stay close fully is that normal

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

Some throttle bodies use an idle air control, while others have a small motor on the butterfly plate controlled by the computer, which holds the plate open slightly while the engine is idling.

[@juanfrancisco8097]

Mine idles normal but when AC is on it it revs and goes back to normal then revs constantly at cold start it revs high then goes normal ... it started when I cleaned out the throttle body

[@niamhorourke94]

Same with my nissan juke

[@gabem7232]

Did you find out what the problem was ? I'm having same issue my rpms going up to 1k rpms and 700rpm . Only does it with the ac on

[@rickyvasquez4983]

Mine idle’s when it’s cold start and calms down once it gets warmed up I cleans the throttle body already. Any clues ?

[@jd646]

That's typically normal

[@sroodjalal2320]

i have nissan sunny n16 with QG16 engine, the engine revs up and down when i fully depress the clutch pedal. I checked everything and changed the throttle body but did not fix the problem.

[@peacepoet1947]

Don't you love it when you never got a reply?

[@sroodjalal2320]

@@peacepoet1947 it’s a big disappointment

[@peacepoet1947]

@@sroodjalal2320 did you get your problem fixed?

[@danadriscoll6437]

While parked my rpms would fluctuate fairly bad. I turned off my defrost and it stopped

[@rogeliodominguez4298]

Did you figure out the problem

[@TeamGun]

It's the idle air control valve 100%, don't cheap out on it.

[@awesomusmaximus3766]

My vehicle does this only when it's cold just by 200 rpm at idle I am suspecting it's the IAC

[@evanqashanna3447]

Same with me Any updates?

[@nicolerenee3708]

Same any update ?

[@Ace-zc9hv]

My car is revving while idle but it seems like when i turn the ac on it calms down a bit, what does it sound like could be the problem to you?

[@courtneye776]

found anything on this I’m experiencing the same

[@s9lpz]

I have a Corolla. When I stop and have it in drive/reverse the rpms sorta randomly drop 200 rpm’s to ~600 when normal is around 800. Any ideas?

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

I would clean the throttle body and see if it improved.

[@carolbrown8918]

Ive change my bank #1 sensor then rpm goes between zero and one.engine light on again

[@trynakillsu1]

Same I switched out the 02 sensors and still have the codes have a misfire as well

[@theedge5584]

ALSO COULD BE A F.I.T VALVE....FAST IDLE THERMO VALVE

[@parsa-0954]

I will love u forever

[@adanarceo4636]

If you have vacuum leak you’ll have cel for sure.

[@scrim_5984]

i had one before the car started revving up and down but now it’s not throwing codes at all. i have a g37 and have done tons of maintenance on it including cleaning the throttle bodies, fixing vacuum leaks, and replacing maf sensors

[@michaeljerden813]

Pb.

[@jlutie2943]

My car is a88

[@vernonhenshaw3089]

You are probably right about everything that you are talkin about but for older people you are talking way too fast they cannot catch up with what you are saying