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2012 Mazda3 Skyactive Engine Idles High At Start, Then Slows Down. Normal?

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Old Feb 14, 2012 | 03:04 AM
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2012 Mazda3 Skyactive Engine Idles High At Start, Then Slows Down. Normal?

I took a video of dash at startup. The window is down so you can hear the engine. It revs very high initially, and then slows down after about 20 seconds.

Here is the video:

Is this normal? Should I wait for the idle to calm down before I begin driving?

Thanks for the help.
Old Feb 14, 2012 | 03:50 AM
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Originally Posted by jamiesona
I took a video of dash at startup. The window is down so you can hear the engine. It revs very high initially, and then slows down after about 20 seconds.

Is this normal? Should I wait for the idle to calm down before I begin driving?

Thanks for the help.
How cold is it outside? When it's cold out, the engine revs higher to warm up faster and pollute less.
Old Feb 14, 2012 | 08:11 AM
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This is in my underground parking. I'd say the temperature down there is around 40-50 F (5-10 C).
Old Feb 14, 2012 | 11:55 AM
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This is perfectly normal and occurs with all of the Mazda 3 engines (in fact, my RX8 did the same thing).

I read once that this additional steady revving helps pull oil quickly into the engine to minimize any cold start damage which can occur over time.

As for me, I try to wait until the idle slows before a start driving.
Old Feb 15, 2012 | 01:34 AM
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This is in my underground parking

Old Feb 15, 2012 | 11:52 AM
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It's the cold start assist and perfectly normal. Pretty much all cars do that. It'll idle high for about 30 sec, then slow back down to 800rpm or so, right?

If you blip the throttle, it'll go back down.
Old Feb 17, 2012 | 10:00 PM
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Thanks for the help guys! Much appreciated!
Old Mar 3, 2012 | 02:26 AM
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Yes completely normal for the Skyactiv's, sounds like an exhaust leak.... They Advance the intake cam & Retard the exhaust to keep air in the cylinders longer = quicker warm up.
Old Nov 13, 2017 | 11:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr.Mango
Yes completely normal for the Skyactiv's, sounds like an exhaust leak.... They Advance the intake cam & Retard the exhaust to keep air in the cylinders longer = quicker warm up.
i have a ‘12 Mazda 3 I skyactiv 6 speed manual, and it’s starting to sound like a Diesel engine when I am in 6th and start going over 60. Very loud at 70. What do you replace for exhaust problems?
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