Ive got a question... I have an '87 RX-7 Turbo and it has idle problems (engine dies when A/C is on, can't idle anywhere much below 1500 rpms without dying) and I took it to a Mazda dealership for a diagnostic.

They say it seems like its the Idle Control Sensor. I actually have never tried replacing this, infact never even heard of it before now. (I tried swapping out the BAC valve, ECU, and it seems like everything else)... So I guess my question is this:

What is the Idle Control Sensor? (how does it control the idle?) What does it look like? (does anyone have any pics of it?). And exactly where is it and how hard would it be to install myself? (the dealership said its underneath the intercooler but they never actuall tested it to see if its bad, since removing the intercooler is more labor than the diagnosis includes- lame).

...So then does this sound like it could be the problem? I really hope it is, and if it ends my woes it would all be worth it, I just want a second opinion so I can make sure (dont wanna face the billion percent dealership markup unless its a pretty good shot).


Anyones input would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks

 

Perhaps they are talking about the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) that is right under the intercooler. The intercooler takes all of 30 seconds to take off (lazy bastards. You can check the voltage of the TPS yourself, it should be 1v at idle with the engine warmed up.

 

No such thing - the ECU knows RPM; if it senses that RPM is too low, it will try to recover.

It sounds like you have an intake vacuum leak...



-Ted