Idle Fluctuates Or Surges

SOURCE:
Honda Service News May 2003

TITLE:
Idle Fluctuates or Surges

APPLIES TO:
2001-03 Odyssey

SERVICE TIP:
If you're getting complaints from owners of the engine idle surging or fluctuating, the culprit may be a broken wire for the power steering pressure switch. Here's how to check for a broken wire:

1. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the 16P data link connector (DLC).

2. Start the engine, and turn on the HDS.

3. At the screen prompts, enter the VIN and the odometer reading.

4. From the System Selection Menu screen, select PGM-FI.

5. From the Mode Menu screen, select Data List.

6. Scroll down the list to PSP SWITCH. Watch the reading in the Value column.

- If the reading fluctuates between ON and OFF when the idle surge happens, look for a broken wire near the connector for the power steering pressure switch on the high pressure power steering hose. (You may need to wiggle the wire harness to the switch if it's not acting up.) If the wire is broken, fix it, and then pack the connector with waterproof grease.

- If the reading remains steady (ON or OFF),look for other possible causes for the surge.