<P class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>I’ve recently bought a 97 A4 and everything was running great for about a month. Currently my engine idle is erratic (from 400 to 900 RPM) when I am in neutral and the car is moving, once I stop the idle returns to normal. Can anyone point me in the right direction without having to go to the dealer? </FONT></P>
<P class=Msonormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o></FONT></FONT></P><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">Also, the previous owner was using 20w-50-engine oil. I’m not familiar with this type, is this okay or does it raise a red flag? Any help or info would be great!</SPAN>

 

I use 15w-50 and mine runs fine but if you live in a cold weather climate it might not be good for cold starting like constantly below 20 degrees occasional temp drops are alright though</P>


What engine do you have? is your check engine light on?</P>

 

No Engine light, other than the irratic idle, no problems.I have a 1.8t and I live in Central Texas were it rarely gets too cold. Thanks for your reply !

 

Could be a bad MAF. Your mass airflow sensor can give a bad idle.

 

i too have the same problem with my 96 1.8T. dead level when stationary but drops to about 300rpm when moving and then levels again.</P>


problem only happens when moving and when returning to idle after revving.</P>


any more posts would be a great help.</P>