Fast Idling s1 111s

[zebedee]

Every time I go out, the first time I stop in traffic the idle speed is at 1500. Turning the engine off and switching to stage 2 of the ignition and pumping pedal 5 times to reset does the trick and takes it back to around 800, until the next time I stop and it is back up there again. It is driving me mad, what is likely to be causing it and what needs to be done?cheers

[rfoster]

Could be one of a few things - your TPS may be knackered (this is what the 5 throttle depressions resets), or your IACV my be sticking open - this can be cleaned. Or less likely - you might have an air leak?

[Jez49]

Hi i had exactly the same problem with my S1 111s and it drove me mad!

The local main dealer spent ages trying different things (fortunately while the car was still under warranty!) and my problem turned out to be associated with the missfire detection unit and associated wiring, this is a Lotus piggyback device that goes between the engine and original rover wiring loom and can be by-passed by disconnecting and connecting the engine directly to the rover loom (the unit was only fitted to avoid the catalyst overheating in the event of a fueling problem causing a possible fire hazard)

Other things to check are:

- a sticking throttle body - unlikely if you have an aluminium one fitted.

- Idle controll valve

- engine wiring loom breakages - does your cooling fan cut in randomly & does your idle speed sometimes stay very high when you put your foot on the clutch changing gear?

-Throttle position sensor.

hope the above helps, I know how annoying it is!

Jez