Vehicle needs 5mins idling to stabilize

[jean-luc]

Mga Sirs,

My Honda Odyssey 95 needs 5mins idling on a cold engine to stabilize. If I shift it to drive (without foot on the gas) for less than 5mins of idling, engine dies.

Any ideas?

[johnjoseph]

When was the last time you changed ATF? Baka dirty na and needs replacing... If you're near Banawe, QC, meron ATF dialysis machine sa area you can avail or pwede din DIY iyan kung meron drain plug ang oil pan. Drain and fill ang tawag, kung ilan liters ang drain, iyon din ang refill mo, you will do that for three consecutive weeks, each week driving your car for maybe a hundred kms or more... done it myself!

[jean-luc]

2 years ago. Had it check 2 weeks ago and malinis pa.

I think i'll try the DIY. Thanks bro.

[johnjoseph]

You can't tell kung malinis pa ang ATF just by looking at the dipstick. Wait till you drain from the pan, compare mo sa new ATF pati ang amoy

[jean-luc]

ah ok. sige, will do that. thanks again.

[Quint]

ah ok. sige, will do that. thanks again.

It is more likely that you're unstable idle are caused by the following:

1. vacuum leaks
2. fuel delivery issues

For #1, its all intake related.
1. Start from the airbox to MAF, to throttle body.
2. Then look for all small rubber hose connections to and from the intake. Replace.
3. Check for air leaks on oil filler cap, dipstick, etc.

The best way to do this is to do a smoke test. Run a line a la smoke machine at around 2-3 psi into intake, and see where the leaks are coming from. Some people use carb cleaner and spray the portions of intake while in idle. When you have a leak, you will notice that your idle will suddenly surge. Then, you can identify the leak. Problem with this method is that it does not identify small leaks, which is likely what you have. Small leaks manifest only when the engine is cold, because when its hot, rubber expands, and sometimes it closes the leak. Maybe that's why it takes your car 5 min before it stabilizes.

For #2:
1. Check/ replace fuel filter.
2. Check fuel lines.
3. Check fuel pressure at the fuel pump and the fuel rail.

There could be other causes i.e. sticky throttle position sensors, or even an old oxygen sensor that might be needing replacement. Also check for sticky idle control valve, if you have. Best to diagnose via OBD scanner, if possible.