My 92 RS seems to take a real long time to warm up. After 10 minutes, the idle is still at 900-1000. I would think it should have slowed down by then. The coolant temp usually reads 110 or so. I know these guages aren't dead on but how much variance can there be when the fan on temp is within 10 or 15 degrees of the fan starting?

 

well it definitely is cold outside, and colder air translates into denser air, which means a higher idle. The IAT isn't all that great at telling the computer it needs more fuel in our sub-freezing weather. But yeah, my car usually takes about 5-8 minutes of physical driving before it gets warm, or about ten minutes of idling.

If there's anything I learned, it's not to even bother trusting the stock guages sometimes. But only 110 after ten minutes? That seems like something's off. I don't know any "safe" way to check if the car is hotter, but try putting your hand on the radiator cap and feeling for it. My guess is that your guage is off, that's all.

 

Thanks for both replies, BTW. I replaced the water pump in October. Of course I paid closer attention to how long warm up took while checking for flow and leaks, etc. The hoses felt like they were in the ballpark with the guage( I'm a boiler tech by trade, sensing temp by touch is a constant diagnostic tool).

 

Is that after 10 minutes of driving, or 10 minutes of idling?

 

I pulled and cleaned my IAC yesterday. That seemed to do the trick.Warms up quicker, idle comes down sooner and is much smoother. It's almost like when you're not sure if it's stalled or not. Now my idle seems low. Low, like it's gonna stall, low. It stays around 500-550,though. Doesn't waver much. I'm gonna let it go. Probably just something new I have to get used to.

 

BTW. Thanks to Shifty, Dimented and all of you other long time, experienced, Willing- To- Help- Out- Another- Thirdgen- Owner kinda folks. I've gotten lots of info good from all of these boards which has been indispensible.