Engine Idles Rough

A rough idle often points to an air, fuel, or ignition issue.

Severity: Medium

What to Do Right Now

Get the codes scanned first. If no codes, start with throttle body cleaning and a spark plug check.

Common Causes

  1. Worn spark plugs: Old plugs cause uneven combustion and shake. Shop spark plugs
  2. Vacuum leak: Cracked hoses or intake gaskets let unmetered air in. Symptoms: high idle, surging idle. Shop intake manifold gasket
  3. Dirty throttle body: Carbon buildup restricts the throttle plate. Cleanable with throttle body cleaner. Shop throttle body cleaner
  4. Failing idle air control valve: Older cars have an IAC that fails and causes uneven idle. Shop idle air control valve
  5. Bad MAF sensor: Bad readings make the engine guess at fuel mixture, causing rough running. Shop mass airflow sensor