[Enthusiast]

Hey folks,

It's Saturday afternoon and I was ready to go out for a nice relaxing drive. But there's something wrong with my car that keeps me from going more than 10 feet from my house. If you have experienced these symptoms or you know what's going on please help! (Dealership is closed)

After starting the car, it makes very rough noises. Check engine and other assorted warning lights come on, and the engine refuses to idle smoothly, it goes up and down and up and down between 500 and 2000 rpm, continuously, sounding horrible.

It doesn't matter whether I'm in gear or not, it does the same thing--and when I try to drive it, it lurches because the rpm's keep going up and down (doesn't listen to my throttle inputs).

Anyone with even the slightest clue would be greatly appreciated.

 

[eksath]

check idle control ...which year?how many miles?

 

[Enthusiast]

2002, 13,000 miles.

How do I check idle control?

Thanks!

 

[Scoot]

With a car under warranty, I wouldn't go poking around. Wait it out and see the dealer. If it won't get you there, call roadside assistance and have them tow it to the dealer.

 

[Enthusiast]

Thanks, that's what I was thinking too.

It's just that it's Saturday and that means I won't have my car for Monday. :sad:

 

[eksath]

With a car under warranty, I wouldn't go poking around. Wait it out and see the dealer. If it won't get you there, call roadside assistance and have them tow it to the dealer.

yeah...i agree .keep us informed what happens.good luck!

 

[thekubiaks]

Yep, call roadside assistance and have them take it to the dealer. All you can do is probably fudge it up by troubleshooting it.... No slam intended... The car is so new that the dealer should have to deal with it.... Best wishes

 

[isaacly]

take it to the dealer

 

[jordanLINY]

check your starter ...

Check the battery charge level, and top it off with a battery charger if it needs it (good thing to do overnight). If you don't have the charger, scout around -- it's a good investment if you can spring for it.

If not that, could be a starter coil, or two, going -- you'll want to correct that a.s.a.p. since it could cause gas leaking and thinning the oil :thumbdwn: Might as well check to see for oil thinning anyway.

Your car seems too young for these things to be happening, yet it doesn't hurt to check up.

Jordan

 

[jordanLINY]

as well ... most likely you'd take it to the dealer, but sometimes it's good to scope out the fluids, battery at home -- get that disclaimer in ... It's always annoying to say "told you so" to yourself later on.

 

[Double Vanos]

Scoot's right, leave it alone and dont drive it. sounds like something is wrong with the idle. good luck

 

[TheDream21479]

I had the EXACT same problem...and my car would die if if let it idle. This happend to me typically when my car was cold...

It turned out my entire VANOS system was bad...the VANOS gears were worn and they replaced the VANOS system and the VANOS ECU. It was under warranty thank god...otherwise it would have been $$$

 

[TheDream21479]

Here is what the service invoice says:

CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE RUNS ROUGH AND DIES WHILE WARMING UP IN THE MORNING WHEN COLD.

CAUSE: VANOS ASSEMBLY GEARS ARE WORN, REPLACED VANOS, ADJUST GEARS AND VANOS ASSEMBLY.

PARTS:
(1) 11-36-1-440-142 AT-ADJUST UNIT
(1) 11-36-1-433-817 GASKET STEEL
(1) 11-36-1-438-306 TOOTH SLEEVE
(2) 11-36-1-715-027 SHAFT
(1) 11-36-1-744-263 SPROCKET
(1) 11-12-9-070-990 PROFILE GASKET SET

ALSO, REPLACE VANOS CONTROL UNIT AND CLEARED FAULT MEMORY AND CHECK TIMING OF CAMSHAFT

Pretty much they replaced my entire vanos system.

 

[TheDream21479]

God, i've had so many issues with this car..its not even funny

 

[Enthusiast]

There it goes.