- Inspect the throttle body. The throttle body can become dirty or clogged over time, which can also lead to an erratic idle. Clean the throttle body with a throttle body cleaner and inspect it for damage or wear.
- Check the fuel pressure. Low fuel pressure can also cause an erratic idle. Verify the fuel pressure is within specification.
- Test the ignition system. Weak or faulty spark plugs or ignition coils can cause misfires, which can also lead to an erratic idle. Check the ignition system components and replace any that are faulty.
- Scan for diagnostic codes. The engine control unit (ECU) may have stored diagnostic codes related to the erratic idle. Connect a scan tool to the ECU and retrieve any stored codes.
- Check the engine timing. If the engine timing is off, it can cause an erratic idle. Ensure the timing marks are aligned properly.