Buick Century Engine idle speed is high Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(324)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(324)

Engine idle speed is high Inspection Service

How much does a Engine idle speed is high Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Buick Century Engine idle speed is high Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1981 Buick CenturyV8-5.7L DieselService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
1988 Buick CenturyL4-2.5LService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1981 Buick CenturyV6-3.8LService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1974 Buick CenturyV8-7.5LService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
1990 Buick CenturyL4-2.5LService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
1989 Buick CenturyV6-3.3LService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1983 Buick CenturyV6-3.0LService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
1979 Buick CenturyV8-5.7LService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Buick Century Engine idle speed is high Inspection prices

What is engine idle speed and how is it maintained?

Engine idle speed is the speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) an engine is designed to run at when the engine is fully warmed up and the vehicle is stopped in park or neutral. Typically, the idle speed will be set at a value in the range of 600 to 800 RPM, but the exact value will depend on the number of engine cylinders and whether the vehicle is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission. Idle speed is maintained by the throttle body working in conjunction with the vehicle’s powertrain control module.

When to check for idle speed issues:

  • RPM on dash gauge does not match OEM specification. Many cars have RPM gauges. If the engine speed displayed on the gauge does not match the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specification on the underhood label, there is probably something wrong.
  • Engine is idling higher than normal. If there is no RPM gauge but the engine sounds like it is turning faster when idle, a mechanic can use an instrument to measure the actual engine speed.
  • Harsh engagement in drive. If the idle speed is too high, the vehicle will jump forward when placed in drive.
  • Excessive brake effort is required to hold vehicle at a stop. If idle speed is normal, only a very light force on the brake pedal will be necessary to prevent forward motion in drive.

How do mechanics adjust or repair incorrect idle speed?

The repair procedure depends on the exact cause of the high idle. The below lists common causes of high idle and in each case, the appropriate vehicle system, components, and parts involved would be inspected, removed for repairs, and/or replaced as needed.

Faulty Fuse: In the majority of vehicles, engine idle speed is controlled via an idle control valve (ICV). A faulty or blown fuse in other electronically controlled systems can cause the Idle Air Control (IAC) motor to malfunction, leading to a higher than normal engine idle speed.

Faulty Idle Air Control Valve (ICV): Some cars are equipped with an idle air control valve to maintain idle speed. This part can malfunction due to excessive carbon buildup in the intake manifold.

Vacuum Leak: On any engine, a vacuum leak will cause a high engine idle as the oxygen sensor detects lean operation and the engine computer then tries to compensate, which can result in abnormal idle. Malfunctioning Throttle: A malfunctioning throttle system can cause both a high or low idle as well as an engine stall. A dirty air intake or cracked air intake tube is often the culprit. Computer Malfunction: If the powertrain control module is malfunctioning, idle speed may be affected.

Is it safe to drive with incorrect idle speed?

No. High idle speed could make your vehicle difficult to control and were the idle speed to suddenly and unexpectedly increase to really high levels, you could experience unintended acceleration. Even moderately high idle speed, that is up to 1,200 RPM will make it more difficult to slow your vehicle when stopping and, once stopped, there remains the risk of your foot coming off the brake and the car jumping ahead. High idle speed also wastes gas and can be distracting as the vehicle does not perform as expected.

When addressing idle speed issues, keep in mind:

  • Related functions, such as the idle up function when the air conditioner is turned on, will be inspected by a mechanic during the repair of a high idle problem.
  • Prior to replacing parts, such as the throttle body, the mechanic will also need to rule out electrical causes of incorrect idle speed as well as physical causes such as vacuum leaks.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Buick mechanics

Real customer reviews from Buick owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(324)

Rating Summary
301
20
0
2
1
301
20
0
2
1

Nicholas

15 years of experience
28 reviews
Nicholas
15 years of experience
Buick Century V6-3.1L - Window Motor / Regulator Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Murrieta, California
Nicholas was professional, extremely competent and courteous

Yahshif

10 years of experience
128 reviews
Yahshif
10 years of experience
Buick Century V6-3.1L - Throttle Body Coolant Hose - Inlet, Outlet - Los Angeles, California
Yahshif is the best Mechanic I've had the Pleasure of Working on my Vehicle.Very Knowledgeable,fast & Efficient.Very Pleasant demeanor & was on time.I Wish that he only to work on my Buick & will tell others about him.

David

16 years of experience
635 reviews
David
16 years of experience
Buick Century V6-3.1L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front, Rear) - Davis, California
David is an excellent. He showed up on time and got right to work and he explained to me what he did and what he found that also needed to be done and asked if I would like to book another appointment, which I did because of the excellent service.

Jerimiah

19 years of experience
328 reviews
Jerimiah
19 years of experience
Buick Century V6-3.1L - Canister Purge Solenoid - Las Vegas, Nevada
Awesome mechanic, very experienced! He's prompt, professional and helpful (with all my questions.)

Excellent Rating

(324)

Rating Summary
301
20
0
2
1
301
20
0
2
1
Number of Buick Century services completed
3564+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Buick MECHANICS
800+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

5 Essential Things to Know About Roadside Assistance
While While you may think you won’t use it since you’re such a stickler about making sure you maintain your vehicle properly, roadside assistance can be a major benefit. Keep reading to find out the five essential things you need...
What are the Car Pool Rules in Maine?
More More and more car pool lanes are popping up all over the country, as various states and counties adopt the notion of having a special lane for carpoolers. In car pool lanes (also known as HOV or High Occupancy...
P2425 OBD-II Trouble Code: Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooling Valve Control Circuit Open
P2425 P2425 code definition Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooling Valve Control Circuit Open What the P2425 code means P2425 is an OBD-II generic code that the engine control module (ECM) detected the engine exhaust gas recirculation cooling bypass valve (EGRCBV) control...

What does the “Brake fluid level low” warning in the message center mean?

Your car is equipped with some pretty advanced equipment in order to monitor the various systems needed for safe driving. One of those sensors is designed to check the level of fluid in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid...

won't start hot cable

Hot electrical cables or connections indicate either excessive current flow, or excessive resistance in a connection. Test the battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-a-car-battery) first. All battery cable connections should be clean (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-clean-battery-terminal-connections-on-a-car) and tight. You should not be able to move cables by...

Does my 2001 Mercedes need Motor mounts? How many motor mounts are there?

Your car has two motor mounts in the front and one transmission mount at the rear. The Front motor mounts soak up most of the engine vibration and last for about 10 or 12 years before they start to get...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com