Are you experiencing a high idle speed in your vehicle? In a recent video on our Simple Adventures channel, I shared how I encountered this issue after replacing the fuel injectors in my car. As I dove into the problem, I discovered that a broken PCV valve was the culprit behind the abnormally high idling. Here’s the story of how I identified and resolved the issue.
After replacing the fuel injectors, I noticed that my Jeep was idling at a minimum of 1600 rpm, and when attempting to drive, the rpm would fluctuate between 2500 and 1500 rpm at stoplights. This behavior was certainly not normal, and after conducting some research, I found a trouble code indicating “idle speed performance higher than expected.” It became clear that the PCV valve was the likely cause, especially considering the broken hose connected to it.
The PCV valve, being a crucial component with 170,000 miles on it, had a damaged hose, leading to an unintended intake of air and causing the engine to idle at a significantly higher speed. To address the issue, I procured a suitable replacement rubber hose. For ease of installation, I applied some Vaseline to the ends of the hose.
After the replacement, I observed a significant improvement in the idle speed, now at a stable 600 rpm. It was a relatively simple fix compared to dealing with spark plugs and fuel injectors. If you’re facing similar issues, I hope this insight helps you diagnose and resolve the problem with your vehicle.
As always, we appreciate your support and viewership on our Simple Adventures channel. Stay tuned for more automotive tips and our upcoming camping adventures in the next few weeks. Thanks for joining us, and may you have safe and enjoyable travels on the road ahead!
Tags: PCV valve, idle speed, vehicle maintenance
What problem did the speaker encounter after replacing the fuel injectors?
After replacing the fuel injectors, the speaker encountered a high idling issue with the Jeep, with the RPM reaching 1600 when idling and fluctuating between 2500 and 1500 when coming to a stop. The diagnostic trouble code indicated ‘idle speed performance higher than expected.’
What was the cause of the high idling issue?
The cause of the high idling issue was a broken PCV valve and hose, which created a vacuum leak, causing the engine to suck in air and idle at a high level.
How did the speaker fix the high idling issue?
The speaker replaced the broken rubber hose with a new one, using Vaseline to aid in installation. After the replacement, the idle RPM stabilized at around 600.
What does the speaker reference from their experience in the Air Force?
The speaker references the use of petrolatum (Vaseline) from their experience as a jet engine mechanic in the Air Force, where it was used on sealing rings.