1990 Escort won't idle when cool...help please!!

chum · #1 11-13-2004, 09:31 PM

Started noticing this at first sign of cool weather...car starts fine...idles at 1000 rpm...dies. If I hold the RPMs at 1500 it will drop to 1000 RPMs and surge back up to 1500 RPMs at what seems to be a regular interval...about once every 10 seconds...the problem continues while driving (if I stop at a stop sign I Have to put in neutral to keep it running). Once the engine is at normal operating temp...it goes away.

chum · #2 11-15-2004, 07:27 AM

UPDATE...after the engine is warm...the idle still goes normal, then low...(still in a distinctive pattern). When it drops the check engine light comes on for a second or 2.

chum · #3 11-16-2004, 07:07 AM

help please...do not want to get the wrong part...

kenny86_2004 · #4 11-16-2004, 08:04 AM

i had this happen in my old car and the mechanic said it was the motor mounts were broken.

tech+++ · #5 11-16-2004, 11:22 AM

Have u checked spark plugs? Did you have the a/c on?? it could be the IAC valve.

chum · #6 11-16-2004, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech+++

Have u checked spark plugs? Did you have the a/c on?? it could be the IAC valve.

Don't think it's plugs...because as long as your foot is on the accelerator and engine is above 1500 RPM it runs smooth as it ever has...I think it is a fuel problem...
Is there a way to test IAC Valve? If I buy one do you think the parts store (like "AutoZone") would let me return it...we are almost broke...

GTP Dad · #7 11-17-2004, 06:58 AM

Just remove the IAC valve and clean it with carb cleaner. Let it dry and reinstall. 5 minute job. Should cure the problem.

chum · #8 11-17-2004, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

Just remove the IAC valve and clean it with carb cleaner. Let it dry and reinstall. 5 minute job. Should cure the problem.

Is it the thing right behind the injector with 4 screws, and when you take it off there is a spring...if not where is it?

GTP Dad · #9 11-17-2004, 07:26 PM

Actually it is located on the throttle body. If you have a 1.8L engine it should be right on top. It looks like it takes 4 screws to remove it. If you have a 1.9 or 2.0 it will look like a small round cylinder with a wire connected to it. There may be two hoses connected to the top of the throttle body the valve is on the side opposite where the throttle cable connects. Remove it and clean it. You may want a new gasket as it may tear when you remove the valve.

chum · #10 11-17-2004, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chum

Is it the thing right behind the injector with 4 screws, and when you take it off there is a spring...if not where is it?

please

chum · #11 11-21-2004, 03:11 PM

Well...apparently this car does not have an IAC valve?!...I went to the parts store and looked at a repair manual...and this car has the single injector system and does not have the IAC valve...the guy at the parts store said my problem could be the "throttle position sensor"...
Any input would be appreciated!!

chum · #12 11-21-2004, 05:33 PM

bump

GTP Dad · #13 11-21-2004, 05:39 PM

Sorry for giving you wrong information but without knowing the size engine it is difficult to give proper info. The TPS could be your problem but it could also be the PCV valve blocked. The TPS is not hard to change, not sure of the cost. Have you changed the fuel filter lately?

chum · #14 11-21-2004, 10:56 PM

there is no need to be sorry...I should have been more specific!
It is a 1.9L engine and has a single injector. I have looked for the PCV valve and cannot seem to find this either...(I know this sounds stupid) but I still can't find the little (expletive)!
The TPS is $26...

barretire · #15 11-23-2004, 10:16 AM

possible tp sensor

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