mikemann

Okay, so I am new to the whole Toyota/Scion thing - first time buyer. It's also been a long time since I have owned a little 4 banger too. I came from a long line of Chevy/GMC big block vehicles.

I've had my Scion for a couple months now (automatic) and I notice when I am in Park and the engine is idling it will surge/pulse every few seconds on and off. Like 30 secs on, 30 seconds off. It's weird. As soon as you put it in gear it goes away.

What is the engine trying do? Is this normal?

Been meaning to ask about this for some time....

superboxcarxb

it is totally normal! the engine is just a lil squirt. but it's normal. I guess thats the cooling fan or something. If you run anything or if anything turns on, it sucks up what lil power you have and it will do that. I don't listen to my radio much and always put the windows down. It only does that on my car when the fan turns on.

matt311

yeah mine does that also its pretty normal with most 4 bangers .... after it gets good and brokin in.. if you use Royal Purple Racing 20 oil the vibrations will be reduced. I havnt used it in my xB yet... but iv used it in other cars and the Racing 20 is sweet stuff!! cars vibrated less with it.. im guessing it would do the same for this car ...

matt311

Also you might want to check your hood stops... people have been saying they were not adjusted properly.. should be able to raise them up a little and it will help some noise also.

insaneintenti0n

also depends if you're using AC. when the compressor kicks on, it'll do that.

evosky

yeah the compressor and altenator are kicking in with the AC running. that's usually what happens since the engine is small.