Does anyone else have a very finicky idle in their mini? I have a 2009 JCW, low mileage, Akra DP, intercooler and some other bolt ons + Alta tune.

Whenever i'm in neutral (say at a light) the RPMs will just flucate between ~700 to ~800. Nothing serious but when it goes too low, i can feel a bit of vibration, most likely due to the NM torque arm bushing I have. It's not major, just wondering:

1. Does anyone else have this problem?

2. Do you think the O2 sensors could be the cause since there is a small cat in the Akra DP?

3. (just to hear it) Should I worry? aka is it bad?

Thanks!

 

Might be a minor vac leak.

 

any places to start searching?

 

I have a little fluctuating idle too, usually when my A/C is on. Also, does it change if you flash the ECU back to stock? Oh one more thing, have you ever checked if your intake valves have carbon build-up? After I had mine cleaned the idle was noticeably more stable (but still fluctuates a bit when the A/C is on).

 

I really don't think I should have carbon buildup this soon....

 

I only have an intake, exhaust, IC with AP. My motor was replaced end of Sept last year. I've always had the fluctuating idle since the AP. I've read in the ALTA AP thread somewhere about a fix. Never did contact them for it though.

I had my thermostat and waterpump recall done by the dealer last week so I drove it for a day without the AP and I didn't get the fluctuating idle.

 

Mine fluctuates from anywhere from 660-720 rpms(Torque Arm Inserts) and usually around 880 when AC is on. Good luck on the problem, and I'll be looking for an update for sure!

 

same problem here, but only when the AC is on. Goes away when flashed to stock so it has something to do with the tune.

 

My JCW with a tune does the same thing. I contacted alta and they gave me a new tune. I must say all seemed good. Except this weekend I noticed it was back a little. Now today all was fine again.

 

My AP tune always did it too...

Assuming you don't have a vaccuum leak, the tune is your problem

 

So, is this definitely a tune issue? Just thought I'd pick the thread back up. I just went through a whole turbo replacement and carbon cleaning process, now I'm noticing some serious rev-searching once the car's warmed up and especially with the a/c off. (not on, as most people have commented). I've been watching my scangauge, it's jumping from around 720-800rpm down to 680ish, and its on that low end when it starts shuddering and jumps the revs back up. I've also noticed a serious increase of intake air temps over a period of 15 minutes or so (unrelated?), from ambient up to 40 degrees over ambient. At one point I was testing, letting the car sit, and this led to water temps pushing boiling at 231 degrees. I appreciate any feedback, thanks!

 

I have an 09 Clubman JCW with 33K miles - without any tuning and the idle is stable. It does exhibit a slight pause at about 1500 RPM when I come to a stop - the pause lasts about 1 or 2 seconds and then it settles to about 750 RPM and is very stable - warm or cold.

I hope this helps as a standard car baseline.