Dumb car question

[johnnyrocket03]

I just bought a new 09 Ford Focus and I know very little about cars but being that its brand new I'm a little paranoid

Is there supposed to be movement in the rpm gauge when parked or idling? Its not big or anything but the needle seems to float up and down slightly and I'm just worried that my brand new car already has problem.

Thanks for the help!

[wooohooo]

That's normal! =)

[MoneyGuy]

Cars have feelings and desires. If you car sees a sexy little Miata, it's natural for the heartrate to increase a bit. Now, if your car is male and gets excited at a Ford three-quarter-ton truck, that's reason for concern.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Ya, AC pumps or elctric motors and various goings on in your engine will make your RPM move up and down slightly.

[Flames89]

I think all posters so far in this thread deserve a commendation for their sensitivity and lack of poking-fun-at-another.

Me? I am now scared I share the same streets as johnnyrocket03 ... even living in TO.

[STeeLy]

Yup, it's perfectly normal, nothing to worry about.

[Russic]

You know I've always wondered why that happens ...

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

Cars have feelings and desires. If you car sees a sexy little Miata, it's natural for the heartrate to increase a bit. Now, if your car is male and gets excited at a Ford three-quarter-ton truck, that's reason for concern.

[alltherage]

Yeah, especially when you turn on say... your air conditioning, you will probably see the needle bobble down for a second, feel a very faint rumble, and the rpms pick right back up.

Electrical stuff does this too... it's very noticable in old cars or cars with old batteries. It's just your car using energy, and then using the rpms to charge back the alternator, which keeps your battery charged.

[Locke]

This is also normal if its cold and warming up or if you have appendages plugged in where they shouldnt be.