Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Cold Idle Kicker
The cold idle kicker strategy provides an increase in idle speed during cold engine warm up, of up to 1,100 RPM (normally 725 RPM for manual, 690 RPM for auto), for a faster warm-up to operating temperature during extended idle conditions. This is accomplished by the PCM, which monitors the engine oil temperature (EOT) sensor input and adjusts the RPM accordingly, to a maximum of 1,100 RPM.
The idle speed is increased proportionately when the engine oil temperature is less than 70°C (158°F) and the engine has been at idle for more than 2 minutes. Applying the brake pedal, clutch or accelerator pedal deactivates the cold idle kicker strategy and returns the idle speed to 690 RPM.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.