Kia Optima 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

(690)

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

(690)

Engine idle speed is high Inspection Service

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

On average, the cost for a Kia Optima 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
2001 Kia OptimaV6-2.5LService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2005 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2009 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2014 Kia OptimaL4-2.4L HybridService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2018 Kia OptimaL4-1.6L TurboService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
2016 Kia OptimaL4-2.0L TurboService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2019 Kia OptimaL4-1.6L TurboService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
2008 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeEngine idle speed is high InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Kia Optima 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 Kia mechanics

Real customer reviews from Kia owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(690)

Rating Summary
651
14
8
2
15
651
14
8
2
15

Jeremy

20 years of experience
592 reviews
Jeremy
20 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.4L - Valve Cover Gasket - Lake Worth, Florida
Jeremy was great! He notified me of a potentially damaging repair that I needed quickly and is fixing it tomorrow!

Gerron

34 years of experience
185 reviews
Gerron
34 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.4L - Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement (Front) - Portland, Oregon
The most pleasant experience I have ever had getting car repair! Very courteous and efficient service. Thank you so much! Oh, and it cost $68 less than the shop quoted!

Jonathan

12 years of experience
7 reviews
Jonathan
12 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.4L - Window is not working - Goodyear, Arizona
Knowledgeable

Chris

18 years of experience
491 reviews
Chris
18 years of experience
Kia Optima L4-2.0L Turbo - Headlight Bulb Replacement (Driver Side Low Beam) - Houston, Texas
Great service! Will use again and recommend.

Excellent Rating

(690)

Rating Summary
651
14
8
2
15
651
14
8
2
15
Number of Kia Optima services completed
7590+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Kia MECHANICS
1000+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How Can I Tell If My Car Battery Needs Replacing?
There There are few things more frightening than hearing buzzing or clicking from your car when you’re trying to start it. It could mean any number of things, but chances are that it means you have a faulty car battery....
P0177 OBD-II Trouble Code: Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0177 P0177 code definition Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit Range/Performance What the P0177 code means P0177 is a generic OBD-II code indicating that the diesel fuel sensor has detected water in the fuel filter, or the fuel composition sensor is out...
How to Get a South Dakota Driver's Permit
The The state of South Dakota requires all new drivers under 18 years old to begin driving with an instruction permit, in order to practice safe driving under supervision before getting their full driver’s license. To receive the initial learner’s...

What should I know about the fuel gauge?

Your car’s fuel gauge is pretty self-explanatory. It uses a needle to show you how much gas is left in the tank. Full is marked by an “F” on the right, and empty is marked by an “E” on the...

AC not coming on

I couldn't find any information on resetting the module. Usually they continually check for faults every key cycle. After a repair it should reset itself. However, I did find that in several cases that the blower motor and the blower...

My vehicle occasionally heats up and blows cold air out of the heater vents.

If you are getting the heater to work sometimes and other times not then it is due to the engine cooling system has air in it. You should have the cooling system purged of air and then retest system. As...

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