at idle, the tachometer needle goes up and down +/- 50 to 100 rpm erratically. i turned off the climate control, radio, and anything else i could turn off but it still went up and down a small amount. is this a precursor to a big problem?

 

Does it (car) shudder for a second or two while the RPM needle drops then goes back up?

-G-

 

hey, dont' feel bad, VW's do that when they are brand new, HA

ok it could be a vacuum leak or maybe just a simple tuneup if you haven't done one lately (plugs/wires)

get a computer diagnostics, might give a better idea...

 

does the engine idle actually fluctuate or just the needle? if it's just the needle then it's an instrumentational issue, if it's the engine acting up then look at vacum leaks... does your engine have an idle control valve?

 

gdawgc220: the tachometer moves up and down in a fraction of a second so there is not enough time for the engine to shudder with the movement of it. however, the idle is a little more rough than other cars ive been in and on rare occasions, it will rumble just for a second.

fastmayte: a mechanic performed a routine tuneup recently. there has been a ticking sound coming from the engine though and the mechanic said it was a gasket problem (?). is this related to a vacuum leak?

vas2vas: can you explain what an idle control valve is?

thanks for your help

 

yes a leaky valve cover gasket means a vacum leak and idle speed fluctuating....

 

A ticking soung is usually a collapsing hydraulic lifter. However, they rarely cause poor idle. Depending on the mileage, your injectors might be wearing out. Injector cleaner might help, but eventually they will have to be replaced as their mechanics wear out.