Q: Car idling low at stop

asked by on March 17, 2016

My car is running, but idles low when at a stop. It also seems low on power when accelerating. This started suddenly.

Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

If you have a Check Engine Light, I would start there. Any codes that are found will aid in the diagnosis of your issue. It is possible that you could have an issue with your idle air control valve. I would recommend having your engine inspected by an experienced technician for vacuum leaks and issues with your IAC valve. Since the IAC valve is an electronic part, this could explain why the problem happened suddenly as electrical parts can become inoperative without warning. Once the source of the problem is found, I would recommend having it repaired as soon as you can to prevent any engine damage due to running improperly for a long period of time.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car accelerating while in park, shifts slowly.
The most likely issue here would be a faulty idle air control valve. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement) This can cause the RPMs to rise when the transmission is in park and the engine is just idling. When the engine is not running correctly,...
Remote key not opening driver's door
There are a couple possibilities. The lock actuator motor in the left front door could have gone bad. There could be a broken wire, the most common spot would be in the door jamb where the wires bend. A qualified...
Compressor problem
AC is a complicated system. Many things are involved in turning the compressor on. Your problem could stem from low refrigerant, an electrical issue, or a mechanical problem with the clutch or compressor. I recommend having a certified technician, such...
Oil leaking from front of van
If the oil is coming from the driver's side front corner, you may have a transmission fluid leak (which is common). If the oil is coming from closer to the left, the fluid may be a number of things. I...
Car will not accelerate while driving
Hi, is there any more information you can give us about the acceleration issue? These cars are known to have a slight hesitation when starting from a stop so it may be normal. Since the car is under 5 years...
Car shakes, idles roughly, has difficulty accelerating
You may be having problems with the high pressure injectors in one or more cylinders. The injectors tips get clogged with carbon and do not spray good when the engine is cold. The problem may be random and intermittent. You...
Driving with the parking brake on
Hi, thanks for writing in. As long as your brakes feel fine, I would say there is no immediate need to replace anything. It would be a good idea to have a mechanic check to make sure nothing is damaged...
Cadillac CTS OnStar disconnection
Hello. The OnStar system is wired to receive a wide variety of inputs so that immediate assistance can be provided in the event of an accident. For this reason it may very well be possible that the system is tied...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Acura RL
The The 2012 Acura RL is a luxury four-door sedan that offers a decent amount of interior space and seating, as well as appreciable performance (although it’s limited to just a V6 engine). The RL ended production after the 2012...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Air Injection Hose
Check your car's air injection hose for signs of damage. If there are idling issues or the Check Engine Light turns on, you may have to replace it.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Speed Timing Sensor
Common signs include the transmission having difficulty shifting, Check Engine Light coming on, vehicle not starting, and loss of engine power.