Ive noticed that this problem seems to be a common one on some of the Max owners here. I did a search but there does not seem to be a definate answer for the problem.

When starting in cold weather, the RPM's jump to 1500, then dip down to about 4-500, almost stalling, then rev back up to 1300 or so for normal idling.

Has anyone found out what the problem is recently? Im going to take my car to the mechanic cause it's still under warranty and i just bought the car about a month ago. Hope problems don't persist.

Please advise. Thank you!

Sabe

 

I've had a similar problem back in November. I had it checked out at the dealer and the idle valve was out of adjustment. Maybe that is the same thing thats causing the problem in your car. Have it checked out though.

 

Might I add that after the car was fixed, starting up the car is just perfect now. It would go to about 1500 and stays there and gradually drops as the engine gets warmer.

 

Do u happen to know where that is?

 

He is referring to the Idle Air Control Valve - Auxiliary Control Valve. This part is fastened to the upper intake manifold, just a couple of inches away from the Throttle Body.

Here is some text copied from the factory service manual.

<Beginning of FSM excerpt>
"Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) -- Auxiliary Air Control (AAC) Valve

This system automatically controls engine idle speed to a specified level.
Idle speed is controlled through fine adjustment of the amount of air which
by-passes the throttle valve via the IACV-AAC valve. The IACV-AAC valve
changes the opening of the air by-pass passage to control the amount of
auxiliary air. ... "
<End of FSM excerpt>

You may make a quick test of your IACV-AAC in the following way. With the
motor at normal operating temperature, and at idle, switch the A/C from
"off" to "maximum". Keep your eye on the tachometer as you do this. The
idle speed should dip momentarily and then recover. If it does this, the
IACV-AAC is working. If the idle drops and does not recover, the engine
may stumble, falter, and stall. The IACV-AAC may require cleaning,
adjustment, or replacement.

The correct idle speed is...
- 700 +/- 50 (automatic transmission, in Neutral)
- 625 +/- 50 (5-speed)

There are other engine parts which play a role in maintaining the right idle
speed, but the IACV-AAC is the first thing to look at.

 

I also had similar symptoms as well.

However, for me it was a bad throttle position sensor.

To see if this could be your problem check here:

http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/tps.html

 

Thank you for everyone who posted a reply. Its so much easier to find out a problem/ solution on this board than trying to talk to a mechanic.

Just one other question. Do you think i should bring the car in for a check to a mechanic or is this something that can be adjusted at home?

Thanks again

sabe