Question new 08 Rav4 with 4cyl very rough idle

[zekeman]

Hi, just bought the wife an 08 Limited Rav with the 4 cylinder engine, it only has 200 miles on it. The idle sucks when you are in gear and no that bad when it is idling in park. Anyone here have any ideas or is this just how these 4 cyl Toyota engines are? The dealer said the 4 cyl are rough and we have to get used to it but I cannot get myself to buy that judging by how it vibrates the seats and center console and steering wheel when idling in gear . I have an 08 Tundra which is real smooth so I'm probably not the best judge as to whether or not this is normal but somehow I cannot beleive that Toyota would build an engine that idles this rough especially when new..

[kathyricks]

I've rented several '07 Rav's with the same 4 cylinder engine and never noticed any objectionable vibrations at idle in Drive. Have you rented or test driven other Rav's to see if they have the same amount of vibration as yours? That's about the only way to prove to yourself and the dealer whether or not your vehicle has an abnormal amount of vibration.

The 2AZ-FE 4 cyl engine has been around since 2001 and has been installed in over 1,000,000 Camry's, Scion TC's, Rav's and Highlanders. It's considered a smooth and refined powerplant, but, of course, is not as vibration free as a V6.

[zekeman]

My next move is to drive a few different Rav 4s and see the difference first hand if any...I hope there is a difference Then I can prove it to the dealer.

[grumpy in NH]

Originally Posted by zekeman

Hi, just bought the wife an 08 Limited Rav with the 4 cylinder engine, it only has 200 miles on it. The idle sucks when you are in gear and no that bad when it is idling in park. Anyone here have any ideas or is this just how these 4 cyl Toyota engines are? The dealer said the 4 cyl are rough and we have to get used to it but I cannot get myself to buy that judging by how it vibrates the seats and center console and steering wheel when idling in gear . I have an 08 Tundra which is real smooth so I'm probably not the best judge as to whether or not this is normal but somehow I cannot beleive that Toyota would build an engine that idles this rough especially when new..

Cant tell my 05 2.4L is running but it is in NEUTRAL when stopped since I have a 5 spd manual. Give it a 2000 miles to get over initial break in. The motor is TIGHT. Note that the new toyotas idle very slow, and thus have a shake. If it continues idling too slow and is a nusiance dealer may be able to increase base idle to 700 rpm. I suspect it will improve with time - just keep an eye out for check engine codes.

[grumpy in NH]

Motorr is too new yet - give ity some time to break in. And leave that oil in for at leat 2500-3000 miles - dont be fooled into doing an OC at 900-1200 miles THIS IS SPECIAL OIL (mixture) and FILTER for run in of the motor. Its has been proven in UOA to have high levels of EP additives 5to help the cam and tappets ease in.

[jidigill]

My idle is rough if I have my air conditioning on. Have you tried turning off the A/C to see if it still idles rough? Perhaps that's your problem.