Engine starts, but cuts off when idle

[Cwis]

This started happening yesterday. I can usually start my car on the first attempt. Then, if I leave it running with no revs, it almost cuts out immediatly. Whilst driving, everytime I approach a roundabout or junction, or need to slow down, the engine cuts off. It almost seems like it runs better when the car is warm, which makes me suspicious of a battery problem.

When I arrived at work this morning, I turned into the car park - engine cuts off. I found a bay to park in, left the car running, it didn't cut off, but it still didn't seem 100%, it seemed slightly quieter than usual. I will be checking the oil in my lunch break, so I'll report back if I continue to get problems.

On asking the opinion of a workmate, he explained that it could be down to condensation. It has been very humid here (Oxfordshire) over the past couple of days and my car has been standing since Sunday.

[herulach]

what car is it? and what engine? It could have spark issues, or it could be dodgy sensors or anything

[Cwis]

Sorry, should've said that in my original post.

It's a Rover 414i N Reg.

[ExceededGoku]

get an engineer to increase the choke, if you have an automatic choke on your engine it may have failed, or be failing...

[MonkFish]

i would place my money on the idle control vale sticking from being gummed up.

[Cwis]

Cheers for the quick responses guys. Very much appreciated.

I'll keep you posted on what happens.

[Cwis]

Right, during my lunch break I started up the car and it sputtered a bit and the rev counter kept going up and down slightly. Then it evened itself out and was idling as normal, I left this for about 10-15 minutes and it did not cut out.

Regardless of this, I am going to take it on a run later this afternoon and see how it goes. Hopefully the humidity is all that was the problem.

[5lab]

sounds like the idle control valve, or, possably its a carb engine (cant remember on the 414s - latter ones had the better vvt engine..) and it could be down to carb icing or something..

[Cwis]

Originally Posted by 5lab

sounds like the idle control valve, or, possably its a carb engine (cant remember on the 414s - latter ones had the better vvt engine..) and it could be down to carb icing or something..

I have absolutely no idea about cars really. So what you've just said I have no idea how to resolve those and have no idea whether they're serious/costly. Please could you ellaborate on your post? Thanks in adv.

[5lab]

both are fairly simple problems, and you have a choice whether to buy a haynes manual, socket set, and try and do it yourself (its *really* not very hard) or take it to a garage. first time round, both ways will probably cost a similar amount, but ongoing the former route is cheaper and (i think) more rewarding.

i would put my money on the idle control valve, should cost a bit under £100 at a garage to sort (conservative estimate)

[Cwis]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

It appears it was just down to condensation as the car has been fine for the last couple of days.

Thank you again for the quick replies, very much appreciated!