I’ve noticed my Honda holds high RPMs for a long time after starting when it’s cold. Is this normal or is something off?
It’s because the engine needs time to warm up.
Terry said:
It’s because the engine needs time to warm up.
That makes sense, but my job’s fleet has F-150s and Silverados, and they drop to 1k RPMs in about 30 seconds. Even my friend’s 25-year-old Saturn does it much faster.
@Forrest
Honda engines are really efficient, so they don’t generate as much heat right away.
Zion said:
@Forrest
Honda engines are really efficient, so they don’t generate as much heat right away.
I’ve got a 2007 Civic SI and a 2010 Silverado 1500. The Civic warms up way faster than the truck, like a good 5 minutes difference.
@Forrest
How much bigger are those truck engines compared to your Honda?
Merritt said:
@Forrest
How much bigger are those truck engines compared to your Honda?
Truck engines are a lot bigger. Chevy half-tons often have 4.3L V6 or 5.3L V8s. Ford half-tons are similar, but both brands now use smaller turbocharged engines for better fuel efficiency. Honda engines are usually a third or half the size of those. Hope that helps.
@Fred
Our fleet trucks have 5.7L engines in the F-150s and 6.2L in the Silverados.
My friend’s Acura RL with a 3.7L V6 drops below 1k RPMs in 30 seconds to a minute on cold starts. Smaller engines with smaller oil pumps work harder in colder conditions. (I’m kinda high right now, so take that as you will.)
@Emilio
I love the honesty. Makes me wanna join in lol.
@Emilio
That’s one way to deal with cold starts.
@Emilio
The KB2 RL is such a gem.
@Emilio
Real talk.
@Emilio
What year is that RL? Newer cars (post-2011) rev faster and are good to go in 30 seconds to a minute, no matter the temp. Older cars need more time to warm up, or they feel sluggish when you start driving.
Small 1.8L engine problems.
In -25 to -40 temps, my engine stays cold no matter how long I warm it up. It’s great on fuel efficiency, but warming up is a real pain. A block heater makes a world of difference.
My ‘98 Civic doesn’t hold high idle long enough on really cold starts. I’d love for it to stay at 1.5k RPMs for a few more minutes.
It takes longer on cold days, but it’s much shorter on warm days. Just give it time.
Honda uses FIRE mode (Fast Idle Retarded Exhaust) to heat up the catalytic converter quickly for lower emissions.
Why do you take so long to get ready in the morning?