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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'97
Honda Civic, Idle Control Problems
Q:
Hello I have ‘97 Honda Civic and it’s giving
code 14. The book tells me that it’s the idle air
control valve. We changed it but it keeps giving me that
code
- Angel
A:
You’ve
fallen victim to the TCS. What is TCS? TCS is that “Trust
the Computer Syndrome”. What happens when you get
TCS? You spend money-replacing things that are not broken.
TCS is not curable, but there is hope in knowing that you
share the same disorder that even the most seasoned automotive
techs fall victim to from time to time. There is no cure,
only prevention. The best prevention? Is in understanding
that those silicone based (computers) life forms will do
anything to get back at their creators, the carbon based
life forms (that’s us). Understanding also includes
knowing that the code that the computer is reporting is
only telling you that there is an idle control system malfunction.
That code did not tell you to replace that part. The computer
to manage the idle speed of the engine uses the component
you replaced. What the computer reported, was that it was
not working in an acceptable manor. You should also know
that other unrelated sensors could falsely set this code.
See how easy it is to become infected with TCS? Here’s
a list of some of the other things that need to be checked
before replacing any more parts. The throttle body for a
clogged port or improper adjustment. The intake manifold
gasket for leakage. The intake air hose for being loose
and leaking. Vacuum leaks in general. Incorrect engine coolant
temperature sensor output. On some models incorrect throttle
position sensor output. Then you get down to the wiring
from the computer to the idle air control valve or the computer.
It all boils down to knowing that the computer does not
tell all and it never will. It only tells what system is
not functioning correctly. It is up to you or a tech to
perform the necessary checks and diagnosis. The fix is most
always the easy part; it’s the diagnostics that takes
time.
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