Re: Question about Struts + Idle (stuck high)

["Pablo A. Carselle" <pcarselle@worldnet.att.net>]

P-O Selander (EUS) wrote:
> 
> Pablo,
> Thanks for the tips. Checked the Idle Stabilizer Valve last night and it
> looked clean and functional. Sprayed it out with carburator cleaner
> though, just in case. You mention the idle switch. I cannot find one om
> my car. I have a WOT switch on the throttle body, no idle switch. Are
> you talking abount an internal switch in the ISV?
> 
P-O:
I am not sure what model (or year )car you have. Typically the Idle
switch is located underneath the throttle body. That is, exactly
opposite to the WOT switch side (bottom)of the throttle valve housing. 
The switch is very difficult to see. However it shares a connector with
the WOT switch. Both switches are connected separately to the ECU. The
function of the idle switch is to inform the ECU, " the throttle plate
is closed !! " (or open ) to allow the ECU to set correct idle
conditions. If you carefully open slightly the throttle valve by hand,
you should hear a very faint "click"
which repeats itself as you allow the throttle valve to close. That
click comes from the idle switch (microswitch) transfering . The fact
that the switch actuates (clicks) does not tell you that it is
electrically sound. 
For electrical checking I emphasize that resistance measurements are
often misleading. Switches and connections need to be tested "under
load" (carrying current).
Many low voltage connections (12v) read correctly on voltmeters, however
when current flow thru them is initiated (closed circuit), the contact
resistance is so high that a large portion of the voltage drops across
them. I cannot recommend any specific test without knowing about your
car.
HTH. Pablo