Maintenance Discuss common Lexus maintenance questions here.

Engine stumbles when idling - what's wrong?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-27-05 | 05:51 PM
  #1  
LS4Lexus's Avatar
LS4Lexus
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: California
Default Engine stumbles when idling - what's wrong?

When I'm waiting at a traffic light, I can feel the car shudder slightly every now and then. Since the RPM dips down momentarily when the car shudders, I figure it must be the engine that's stumbling.

Any idea what the problem might be?

'92 LS - 100K miles
Old 05-27-05 | 10:35 PM
  #2  
ChuH's Avatar
ChuH
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 15
From: Guam
Default

Originally Posted by LS4Lexus
When I'm waiting at a traffic light, I can feel the car shudder slightly every now and then. Since the RPM dips down momentarily when the car shudders, I figure it must be the engine that's stumbling.

Any idea what the problem might be?

'92 LS - 100K miles
Without knowing some history with your car it is very difficult to help diagnose this problem. When is the last time you changed your air filter and spark plugs? Does the problem occur when your A/C compressor kick in? Does the problem occur when you come to a stop?

Chu...
Old 05-28-05 | 02:07 PM
  #3  
LS4Lexus's Avatar
LS4Lexus
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: California
Default

Originally Posted by ChuH
Without knowing some history with your car it is very difficult to help diagnose this problem. When is the last time you changed your air filter and spark plugs? Does the problem occur when your A/C compressor kick in? Does the problem occur when you come to a stop?

Chu...
Air filter changed 8K miles ago. Spark plugs changed 20K miles ago.
I can feel the shudder when the engine is idling (e.g. waiting at a traffic light) even when the A/C is off.
Old 05-28-05 | 07:15 PM
  #4  
Inabj2's Avatar
Inabj2
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Default

Mine does that I have a faulty egr system though.
Old 06-02-05 | 11:33 AM
  #5  
purebliss's Avatar
purebliss
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: New York
Default

I would check the Fuel pump or the fuel pump relay fuse.
Old 06-02-05 | 11:46 AM
  #6  
Lexusfreak's Avatar
Lexusfreak
Pole Position
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,379
Likes: 18
From: St. Thomas, Ontario
Wink

Originally Posted by LS4Lexus
Air filter changed 8K miles ago. Spark plugs changed 20K miles ago.
I can feel the shudder when the engine is idling (e.g. waiting at a traffic light) even when the A/C is off.
IT wouldn't hurt to change the PCV valve & fuel filter & make sure the timing is correct. Some fuel system cleaner might be wise too.......Chevron with Techron stuff is fantastic.
Old 06-02-05 | 12:55 PM
  #7  
ServiceGuy's Avatar
ServiceGuy
Driver
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: CA
Default

I would check the i.a.c valve -
Old 06-06-05 | 03:10 AM
  #8  
LS4Lexus's Avatar
LS4Lexus
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: California
Default

The fuel pump and fuel filter (OEM) were replaced a year and a half ago - this was after the engine shut off on its own when coasting at a low speed. Hopefully it's not the same thing, as that was an expensive repair!

Thanks for the suggestions. If anything else comes to mind, please post.
Old 06-06-05 | 04:57 AM
  #9  
Lexusfreak's Avatar
Lexusfreak
Pole Position
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,379
Likes: 18
From: St. Thomas, Ontario
Cool

What about the PCV valve? Have you ever had the throttle body cleaned?
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
98GS430
GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011)
6
05-29-13 01:22 PM
jonessoda
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
2
02-07-10 06:30 PM
blueridge
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
4
05-29-09 06:16 AM
96ls400ky
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
12
05-24-08 07:25 PM
sfm4103
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
9
05-21-07 04:35 AM



Quick Reply: Engine stumbles when idling - what's wrong?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:35 AM.