Guys,

would like to get your 2 cents on this matter. this started yesterday after i brought my car back from the workshop after servicing my drivetrain (replaced couplings/driveshaft).

1)started the car cold in the morning. it idled for 2 seconds and then choked/cut-off. repeated this another 3/4 times before i finally managed to get the car moving out of the parking lot. engine chokes and dies each time I step on the clutch.

2)once the car is warmer, I'm able to drive relatively normally except for the fact that throttle response is now a millisecond slower. also, when the car is idling, its always under threat of cutting off when I try to get it going again. in the past, I'm could always get going in second gear from standstill, most times even in third. now, not a chance.

of course I went straight to my mech and the first thing he did was to calibrate the CO. then after the engine cooled, he worked on the AFM, ICV, and throttle cable.

anyway, he suspects the AFM is faulty. advised to see if his tuning would help and as an aside, dump in some fuel injector cleaner for good measure (am running a m20b25 btw).

so I took it out on the highway to give the engine a good run after and it behaves much the same. while at speed, no real problems. except for this one time when i had to quickly slow down from 140kmh to 40kmh in a short distance did the engine die. apart from that, only when i slow down and try to get it moving again, i have to make sure that the rpm is over 1k before i lift the clutch.

sorry for the uber long post. thought i try to be as descriptive as possible. would appreciate any feedback.

Check ICV and all intake hoses...just in case

thanks man. how would you normally inspect the ICV?

Dismantle the ICV (idling control valve) and have a good shake. If its rattle then its still good. If not, the ICV could be jammed. ICV is to control your engine when you cold start. Also try to service your throttle body also. What is your rpm when idling, Auto or Manual?

he suffered the same prob as mine last time!

bro boonaro, when the car idle, other than it shows sign of choke off & die, does it sometime has the sign that the engine is at 'auto-rev' ? Auto rev means the car like has a phantom foot helping you to step on the paddle to rev the engine...when this happened, the rpm needle will go up & down non stop.....

i have solved mine by sending it to the mech for TB cleaning and had the ICV loosen up (it was jammed)...itz been a month now, the car is running fine with stable rpm and smooth breathe on the engine...

my 2 sen experience to share, hope it helps....

ok, will do that when I send for service this weekend. thanks man.

I'm idling at about 550rpm manual.

clean the AFM sensor with contact clearner, if fail....swap in another AFM, make sure it is correct for the car...if fail, check the blue and brown sensor situated at the thermostat housing....if fail.....its time for m50. xD

chriseunos wrote:

its time for m50. xD

love your comment hehehehe

thanks for the tips guys, will give'er a go.

mmmmmmm, M50.....

Chiris, was your car at Optimum last week?

just so I don't get hosed, what's the going rate for a used ICV & AFM in good condition these days?

yes, my car was at optimum. Which e30 is urs?

ICV around RM150-RM200. AFM is around Rm300.

mine was the green one with the zender kit.

thanks for the prices. good to know cos a brand new AFM is 1600!!

I'll go look around.

price is one thing, availability of the stock is another...i reckon itz not easy to get a used one? If i recall correctly, Chris has an ICV up for sale, check it out with him...