The next step is to set your dead bands back to something other than +/- 3000. For a rough engine I use 100 and a smoother running engine 50. This step essentially turns your idle feedback system back on. Now it will adjust the idle motor position the allowable amount you set earlier in order to maintain your target idle. If you are satisfied with the quality of your idle you can leave your “Ign vs Idle RPM” table all zero like we previously set it. If you want extra control and feedback for an even smoother idle you can set your table similar to the one pictured. Raising the ignition when idle RPM fall low or lowering ignition when idle RPM is above target. Do not make these changes to abrupt or large otherwise you will be doing more harm than good using this table.
A few other helpful options in maintaining a nice idle can be found in the “AC Idle Trim” option table. These options help your car continue to idle when you turn on your AC. Because the AC puts extra strain on the engine it is crucial that you adjust for that extra load. The first option is the “AC Min RPM”. Below this RPM the AC compressor will not turn on. This ensures that your compressor is not activated while you’re trying to start your engine or when you are close to stalling. The next option is “AC idle Load Comp”. This percentage value is the amount of duty to add to your idle motor in order to maintain your target idle speed. Basically, this is the value that will be added to your “Idle% vs Target” table. “AC On Delay” is in seconds and allows a certain time to pass before your AC compressor actually turns on. This is done to allow time for your idle to go up before the extra load is added to your engine.
Work Cited
AEM Electronics (2013). AEM Tuner (Version 2.98) [Software]. Available from http://forum.aempower.com/forum/index.php/topic,26751.0.html
Yevtushenko, V. (Producer). (2012, Feb 22). How to: Tune Idle in AEM Series 2 [Web Video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CfP-W5bu5c
Reviews
Vlad has created a very clear and concise manual that makes it simple for any beginner to tune their vehicle for a proper idle. All of the anticipated problems that could arise during the process are anticipated for and are addressed clearly in an understandable and informative manner. I would feel comfortable using this as reference material for this procedure.
Luke Farrell
Automotive Management maj.
This is a great how to with clear step by step instructions. It is simple enough that a first time tuner could get their car to properly idle, but goes into enough detail to teach some tricks to even the most experienced calibrator. I would use this as a reference when tuning vehicles in the future, and would recommend it to others struggling to get their car to idle.
Chad Street
Engineer at Magna Electronics
As an owner of a vehicle equipped with an AEM Series 2 engine computer, I found Vlad’s “How to Tune Idle in AEM Series 2” to be very helpful and informative. To new users, the AEM software is complex, with settings buried in menus and almost hidden with the progam’s dozens of dropdowns and popup boxes. Vlad’s document clearly describes how to properly set and tune idle, a critical engine operation. AEM offers little support documents on the subject, if any. The screenshots in the document are very effective, and help to illustrate exactly what is happening. The explanations of acronyms the software uses and example settings are also helpful to have. I will be printing Vlad’s paper, and using it as a reference material for years to come.
Dan Marcus
Marcusd1@ferris.edu
Professional Review
Vlad has done his research on AEM’s products. Since the majority of our products are on built engines that are completely different from each other, every engine needs a different calibration to be properly controlled. It isn’t easy to relay tuning instructions towards everyday customers and Vlad’s approach at idle tuning on one of our systems nailed it. We’re always happy to get feedback from users like Vlad to make our products better!
Sam Santerre
Engine Management System Development Engineer
AEM Performance Electronics
310.484.2322 ext. 215
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