Slight hesitation at Idle...PLEASE HELP

Bullettooth · 02-04-2008, 11:47 AM

Hi I have a 1989 325i that just all of a sudden started hesitating a little at idle, with the hood open it sounds rough almost as if the car is misfiring but all of the spark plugs are good, (less than 5K) and off idle the power is great. I just changed the O2 sensor and there are no air leaks, the ICV seems to work, however I noticed that if I remove the ICV and control the air with my thumb partially covering the air intake (like ICV) it seems to idle smoother...

How can I check the ICV and the MAF for sure. The ICV shows me 40 ohms between the outer two terminals, it moves freely and when I apply power it opens and shuts all the way. The MAF moves freely also and the resistance changes gradually as I open it, however I do not know what the resistance range should be. Are there any other tests I can perform. I also have my old Motronic computer which I installed back and it still does the same so I know it's not that. And after the car warms up the check engine light turns on however it goes away as soon as I blip the throttle just a little.

...thank you in advance and any advice...

Bullettooth · 02-05-2008, 10:22 AM

...ok now I notice whenever the car is running there is more than normal gas smell...seems like it's running rich...could that indicate a faulty MAF sensor?

many944s · 02-05-2008, 11:09 AM

A few months back I had an idle issue on my '90 325i. It turned out to be the distributor cap. When I went to take it off, it came off in two pieces. It too caused hesitation.

Just some food for thought...
-Nick