Rough idle problems, EGR valve?

Braun9 · #1 02-23-2005, 09:48 AM

Whenever my 2001 Ford Focus is at a stop light, or even in park with the engine running, it runs a little rough every few seconds or so. This is enough of a problem where the entire car shakes just slightly about once every few seconds and sounds like it is going to stall, but then catches itself again.

In trying to solve this problem, I have replaced the fuel filter, fuel pump, plugs and wires. Also, recently, I have had to replace the PCV valve and the downstream O2 sensor.

After doing some research on the internet, I found a few articles about people having similar problems as mine. The solution was to clean the EGR valve. Does this sound like it could be causing this strange idle? If so, where is this EGR valve located and what does it look like?

Any help with this would be much appreciated.

Mustangman25 · #2 02-23-2005, 10:52 AM

The EGR valve is on a flange on the exhaust manifole (below the heat shield I'm pretty sure) and has a metal pipe that connects it to another flange by the throttle body...
I have this same problem, and my first solution was to special order some plug wires which I'm still waiting for to come in. Maybe I'll give this a go to. Thanks!

fordguy706 · #3 02-23-2005, 07:49 PM

Its the round valve device on the throttle body with a harness plugged in it. Try tapping it when you have your idle problem, also try a little carb cleaner to clean it out. This should help. Does it idle up and down?

fordguy706 · #4 02-23-2005, 07:52 PM

Sorry......Idle air control valve......IAC Valve as we say....

TheStang00 · #5 02-23-2005, 11:31 PM

if the EGR valve needs to be cleaned the engine light should be on, id know cause mine is on right now for that very reason.

mo42oya · #6 03-09-2005, 06:45 PM

this same problem "WEIRD DYING LIKE IDLE" I was told so many different possible problems with many solutions. Before you try all the solutions that you have heard you should find a resonably priced Shop to Run a Dyno Test.

I solved my issue of the Weird Idle by Spraying the Throttle Body with some throttle body cleaner. then using a screw driver and a rag to clean it really well Down in it as far as I could go. I also replaced the PCV Valve. Now it Dosent Shudder. I may need to disasmble and Clean really well. Make sure you clean the Lid and around the seal area REALLY GOOD. First things first... Cheaper to Expensive....... Always assume its the smallest problem First before spending too much Money

Hope that Helps

focusfreak · #7 03-11-2005, 01:36 PM

there has also been suggestions from magazines noticing the same problem to take it to a place like focus sport who are designated SCT (super chip tuner) which they can hook the car up and get rid of the "bugs" which you speak of

97Bird · #8 03-11-2005, 02:56 PM

Check with your Ford dealer to see if the EGR valve is still under warranty.

mo42oya · #9 03-12-2005, 09:41 PM

I Must inform that since I have cleaned the Throttle Body and replaced the PVC Valve the Idle problem is gone but it has made way for a new discovery of another malfunction. A surge in RPM at Highway speeds, and a loss of power. Between 20,000- 30,000 Miles ( give or take 5-6,000) This is a problem with the FDM ( Fuel Delivery Module) It was redesigned in 2002. It is a Recall and will be replaced free of charge.. Here is the Recall Websit which will list all recallls for 2001 Ford Focus se

http://www.internetautoguide.com/aut.../se/index.html

Make sure you get all the recalls. give them a 2 week notice and You got a good chance of getting a Loaner car as long as it takes.. Estimated time 10-15 Hours

THere ya go
Moya

mo42oya · #10 03-25-2005, 09:13 PM

Again... The Idle has returned.!!!! After takeing the car to the dealer and haveing the FDM changed they neglected to secure the MAS Sensor Plug. About 2 days after Darn thing came unpluged I had to go buy a OBD-II Scanner tool to figure this one out. No way Im takeing it back there..

My next step is to clean the MAS sensor. NOT RECOMENDED FOR THE NOVICE!!!!! Hell its worth a try. USE ELECTRIC CLEANER.. NOT CARB Cleaner, no q-tips, no rags, DONT TOUCH THE SENSOR WIRE!!!!

I will attempt this and reply

mo42oya · #11 03-30-2005, 10:38 PM

I have discoverd my problem.. I checked all the sensors with no luck. I then retraced my steps. I hadnt checked the Plugs because I changed them 3 months prior. But I discoverd 2 of them had went bad. The Electrode in the center had burned down to a gap of 2.0 mm . The gap is supposed to be 1.3mm Only two had went bad. Bosch Platnums. I replaced all four and Now the car runs like new. Double check your Plugs and wires.......

Mustangman25 · #12 03-30-2005, 11:08 PM

Bosch's are notorious for being chewed apart pretty quickly in the Zetec.

GREENFREAKENFOCUS · #13 03-31-2005, 09:18 AM

My sputtering problem was resoved by changing the ignition coil.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...14#post2936314

Shmay · #14 04-05-2005, 08:29 AM

I had the same promblem with my sunfire and it was the EGR valve

Grug · #15 04-07-2005, 09:08 AM

My '03 ZTW has a rough idle, but only on start up. Once warmed, the rough idle goes away. It also seems to be significantly worse in cooler weather. So, are you folks telling me I should check the spark plugs? The dealer told me that a "rough idle on cold start up" was pretty normal for the Zetec. I'm not convinced they know what they're talking about.

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