S1 idle RPM problems

[Dave S1]

Hi there.

I've been having some problems recently with the idle RPM on my S1. When the engine is cold, it wants to idle at 2-3000 RPM! It settles back to normal once it's warmed up.

I read on here that you can reset the idle by pressing the accelerator 5 times with the ignition on position 2. This works fine - but it doesn't remember the new set point, so I have to do it each time I start the car, which isn't ideal!

I've also tried cleaning the idle air control valve.

Any ideas?

Cheers!

[rfoster]

Could be the throttle position sensor is knackered - easy enough to change but they are about 50 squids.

[Chris49]

Dave S1 said:

Hi there.

I've been having some problems recently with the idle RPM on my S1. When the engine is cold, it wants to idle at 2-3000 RPM! It settles back to normal once it's warmed up.

I read on here that you can reset the idle by pressing the accelerator 5 times with the ignition on position 2. This works fine - but it doesn't remember the new set point, so I have to do it each time I start the car, which isn't ideal!

I've also tried cleaning the idle air control valve.

Any ideas?

Cheers!

Hey Dave,

I had exactly the same problem with my S1, check under the hood to see if your running a plastic throttle body, if so then I'm afraid you'll need to shell out for a new alloy one. I think there about £120 quid but sorted mine instanly. Hope this of some help fella. Any thing else then give me a shout, been here, done this!!!!

[Dave S1]

Evening gents. Thanks for your help.

Chris: Yes I am running with the plastic throttle body - and I have heard they have a habit of sticking! If it is sticking though, I would have thought that the idle would permanently be at 2-3000RPM, and wouldn't return to normal once the engine's warmed up?

[Chris49]

Dave S1 said:

Evening gents. Thanks for your help.

Chris: Yes I am running with the plastic throttle body - and I have heard they have a habit of sticking! If it is sticking though, I would have thought that the idle would permanently be at 2-3000RPM, and wouldn't return to normal once the engine's warmed up?

Thats true!

Mine stuck on about 2100 ish from start to finish when she chose to do so!!
It does seem strange that yours only does it form cold as the body should be cool and holding form.

Still after speaking to other S1 owners an alloy body seems a standard upgrade to help control the rpm.

Past this I can't think what it mght be, sorry dave!

[dave111s]

hi sorry you are having probs it may be the aicv that needs cleaned or replaced they pron to fail or it my be the ecu is not rememering its setings and allso make sure the throtle body is set up right ie the cable has some slake in it hope this helps

[Esprit]

Sounds to me like an IACV issue.

I know you've cleaned it, but this might not be fixing the issue... be easy to find one off a Rover at a scrappy for a tenner and bolt on... if nothing else it's ten quid spent to cross something off your list

[boobles]

Mine seems to stick around 1500rpm once warm on the odd occasion. If i rev the car it then settles back down for a while until the next time.

[Dave S1]

Cheers everyone. Will try to get hold of a new control valve and see if that fixes it.

Dave