Low idle, sometimes rough.. ?

[VW_Factor]

Yeah. The usual Im sure.. Going to clean up the MAF tomorrow.

 

Its been happening for a while now, however its never been too horrible. Just progressively gotten worse. This last weekend, there was a day where it idled at just under what appeared to be 400rpm. Didnt run that rough in particular (it wasnt missing, just idled low).

 

My first thoughts were like, maybe the tranny or torque converter not "lettin loose" enough and was draggin the motor down a bit. Neutral gear, idle came up a smudge. Still was pretty low.

 

Normally this really wouldnt bother me much. However now, Ive noticed at night, its idling so low, the alternator will not even keep 12v output with the lights on.

 

Being in Salem Oregon, its still cold, windy, etc.. I have no garage to work out of around here really.

 

Have there been any "commonish" sensors to look at as causing this behavior? I went through this afternoon (a short period where the sun actually came out) and pulled some plugs and checked the cleanliness of connectors and such, and everything was clean and tight.

 

As a side note, after hanging out here for sometime trying to figure out the factory alarm system, I eventually just picked up an aftermarket unit, and got it working out pretty slick. Some hours with a multimeter, with the drivers seat removed and such got it working like a champ. Keyless and alarm ftw. Silly enough I looked back through that thread this evening and seen some new information posted by 88. I wish I would have looked at that thread sooner.. lol. As well, noticed 88 lives around Salem Oregon as well. How lucky am I?

 

Anyway. Yeah, ideas or just random postings wanted.

[Precise1]

First things first. Check the ECU for trouble codes when it is acting up, and even now as it should store them I believe. There is a write up in the how to section. If you get no results, clean the MAF and check the connector well (typical issue) then test the O2 sensor for proper functioning. There are write ups here on those also but I'd have to search for them. Holler if you can't find them.

 

B

[VW_Factor]

First things first. Check the ECU for trouble codes when it is acting up, and even now as it should store them I believe. There is a write up in the how to section. If you get no results, clean the MAF and check the connector well (typical issue) then test the O2 sensor for proper functioning. There are write ups here on those also but I'd have to search for them. Holler if you can't find them.

 

B

 

Yeah, I'll have to get around to doing this when its a little warmer around here, and not pooring down rain.. Need to get some extra time to get out and either pull codes, or run through those diagnostics.

 

First break, Im definately headed out to clean the MAF and see if that garners me some results this afternoon. :up: