Starts but won't idle

My 99 BMW 323i (E36) won't idle. I can start it, but if I take my foot off the accelerator, it stalls.

I am getting a mass airflow meter fault code, but replacing the MAF did not help, I still have that code, but no other fault codes are present. Disconnecting the MAF had no effect.

is the icv clean?


any vacuum leaks?

The car was running fine with no history of this problem. After replacing the rear brake pads, it wouldn't idle (the brake repair had nothing to do with this problem - I only unscrewed the brake fluid resivior cap under the hood).

I don't suspect any vacuum related problem due to the sudden onset of the problem.

If it were an ICV, wouldn't I get some additional fault code?

Also, why do I still have the MAF code (It has returned even after I clear it)?

Fuel pump? Fuel pressure regulator?

Car was running fine, and still does. The problem seems to be idle related. When I start it, it just turns over, fires up but never reaches full idle speed and quits. If I give it gas, it will start and run smooth.

Originally Posted by Sbla13

The car was running fine with no history of this problem. After replacing the rear brake pads, it wouldn't idle (the brake repair had nothing to do with this problem - I only unscrewed the brake fluid resivior cap under the hood).

I don't suspect any vacuum related problem due to the sudden onset of the problem.

If it were an ICV, wouldn't I get some additional fault code?

Also, why do I still have the MAF code (It has returned even after I clear it)?

ehh not necessarily. If its dirty the little vane/door cant move and do its job. Its not a bad idea to clean it though. (free to do anyways)

also if cleaning the maf could do too (if not your maf could be bad since it threw a code)

unplug the maf and see if the car idles without it

I'll give the ICV cleaning a try. Any key cautions I should know of?

just remember which hose goes where (theres one on each side)

I replaced the MAF but with or without the MAF connected, I still have the problem.

yeah try cleaning maf and icv and see if it helps



http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/...ite-up-t41173/

The ICV was stuck. I cleaned it with MAF cleaner and the engine is idling fine.

I suspect that the ICV was altering intake airflow sufficiently to cause the MAF fault. I cleared the fault after the fix, and it did not return.

Thanks for your help!