Hey everyone, I'm new to the car community, and young, so I'm not really sure what to about this one. though like the description says, I'm actually having 3 problems.

On occasion, when first starting my car, the RPMs will not go below 1750 or 2. The first time this happened, I popped the hood and checked the throttle cable, and it was actually a little loose. I'm kinda stumped on this one...

When I first take off(when the RPM is at its usual 750 to 1k) I'm hearing a bit of squeaking coming from the rear driver side tire. from what I can tell, it doesn't look as if it is rubbing on anything, though I haven't really had the time, or equipment to take the tire off and check anything else. Any ideas as to what this could possibly be?

Also, my car has had the convertible top cut, in an attempt to break in. The insurance company will not cover this because of a stupid complication. They are saying that due to the fact that nothing was stolen from the car, and it is not certain that someone did cut my top, they can do nothing about it. the police basically say the same. I do a quick glance over my car, everytime I get in, or out of it. It happened one night while at a club. I came out, and there was a 3 inch cut on the driver side towards the rear of the top. any suggestions? also, can anyone recommend a good upholstery shop in San Antonio?

Like I said, I'm a noob when it comes to s2ks, or cars in general. I'm in the military, so I don't have the greatest amounts of time during the day, or a garage to do the work myself, so any good mechanic recommendations would also be highly appreciated. Thanks

 

I forgot to mention, on the top, they cut it at the seam, though it's pretty easy to tell that it was cut, because where it is sewn together, it is still connected...If that makes any sence.

 

Ok, first, the car idling high when you first start it is normal. The car will idle high so that it can quickly reach operating temperature. About the tear, I would think that your insurance company should cover that. That's exactly why you have insurance. I could definitely see an insurance company trying to get out of it though... and it's also possible that they're giving you the run around because you're young. Might even have to have a parent call ??

 

I could, but the problem is, I'm in military, and currectly station in TX, while my Home of Record is in Kentucky. Which is also a problem...I'm going to be switching my insurance hear soon.

 

1) You might try cleaning the idle control vavle. Very easy to remove and spray some carb cleaner in it plus use a q-tip to make it look like new inside. Make sure you oil the rubber gasket when you put it back on.

2) Is it a squeak or a click. There is a common problem with our car where it clicks when you first start moving. Easy fix...the axle hub nuts need to be torqued to 220ft-lb. If it is really a squeak...it may just be the brake pads unsticking from the rotor.

3) Sucks insurance is being an ass. You can get a new Robbins Top from Tops Online for under $600 that will also convert your plastic rear window to a glass.

I would see if one of the bases in your area has a hobby shop where you can work on your car. I know the Navy bases here in Jax have them. Nice perk...plus they have just about every tool imaginable for car repair available for loan.

 

actually there is a hobby shop on base, though I don't really trust myself to do the work without someone I know that knows what they are doing helping me. and the Robbins top you were talking about, I already have. thats the top that was cut. that was the first thing I replaced on the car, the plastic back glass was starting to get some minor cracks from the pressure of putting the top down. I'm actually looking at getting a hardtop, though I don't really have the money at this moment, so I was going to find someone to patch it until I could afford the 1.5-3k to drop on the hardtop. It is a squeak, in the past there was a click, but I've already fixed that also. thank you for the advice though. and I will look into the idle control valve. I'll have to look up some more information on it though, such as instructions and exactly what I'll need to work on it.

 

at start up it will jump up that high, then as it warms up, it will lower.

As for your top? That's BS. It should still be cover cause it's comprehensive: damages even if nothing is stolen still occurred to your top.

 

Post up in the CenTex forum and see if there is anyone in SA who would be willing to help.

The IAC valve is rediculously easy to clean. Look in the FAQ for a DIY. This is a good 1st task if you aren't mechanically inclined. And you might find someone at the hobby shop who would pitch in a hand if you get stuck with the hoses or throttle cable.

If you bought the robbins top online, do you still have email proof of purchase? The Robbins top has a 5yr warranty. Tell them it is ripping at the seam. I know mine did within about a year after installing it. So did one other person's and Robbins sent them a new top. You'll need to pay for install or find someone in SA willing to help install.

 

You don't need to clean the idle air control valve if it's idling high only because it has been sitting long enough to cool down. The ecu (on all engines that I have ever seen really) will make the idle between 1500-2000 until it gets up to operating temps. It's normal. Now if it's randomly idling high or doing it after the car is already warm, then I'd say to start at the IAC valve too

 

Thanx for all the help. I'll make sure I look for the purchase information on the Robbins top, though I'm not sure if I still have it or not...with the IAC Valve, I'll probably go ahead and clean it, can't hurt right?