2003 Intermittent High Idle

[Diag]

I have a 2003 Windstar with a intermittent high idle condition. It happens after 10 to 15 minutes of normal 800 RPM idle, suburban stop and go driving. It is happening in about 1 out of 15 trips. The high idle stays at around 2000-2100 RPM. It did this 2 or 3 times last lear around the same time of year only to stop and not happen again until now. There are around 105,000 miles on the Windstar.

I have read that cleaning the MAF may help. Has anyone had this problem? Is so, what did you do to correct it? Thanks.

[wiswind]

I would try cleaing the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve.
It is mounted on top of the throttle body, held in place by 2 small bolts.
Use something like Seafoam "Deep Creep", which is the spray version of Seafoam.
Or.....you could use WD-40.
The IAC has a small motor inside that has a gear......which opens and closes a air passage into the intake.
The computer (PCM) uses this to control the idle when your foot is not on the accellerator.
The problem you describe can be caused by the IAC sticking.......which is not uncommon.
The IAC location on my '96 3.8L windstar is shown in this picture


To Clean the MAF, you use a non-residue electronic cleaner........sometimes sold as "MAF cleaner".
It is VERY important that this cleaner leave NO residue or it will cause the MAF to not work.
This picture shows the hole in the air filter side of the MAF that you want to spray the cleaner into, while holding the MAF so that this hole is facing up toward you....and the fluid you spray in will run through the plastic cross member and OUT the hole at the opposite end, which faces away from you.


A view of the hole that you want the fluid from the spray to run out........as viewed from the throttle body side