Focus 1.8 Idle Problems

Ross · 11 Sep 2008 at 11:47

Hi everyone!

I've been having problems with my zetec focus 1800 for a few weeks now. Basically when I pull up at lights the revs go up on there own for a few seconds and then drop again - it seems to be related to whether the car is moving or not because when I come to a complete stop thats when they go down. If I'm on a hill and just roll a bit in neutral it causes the revs to start increasing again.

Also when the revs do settle they still bounce very slightly. The problem gets worse after a long drive down the motorway or when the engine is hot.

I have replaced both the idle control valve and the throttle position sensor and still the problem persists. Please help before I pay WAY over the odds to get Ford to sort it out.

Thanks a lot.

Ross

1CE · 11 Sep 2008 at 12:12

I would have said icv, but seeing as that's been replaced the only other thing would be to check the vacuum pipe near the inlet manifold, it has a nasty habit of splitting.

Ben.

Ross · 11 Sep 2008 at 13:05

Is there an easy way to test if its leaking? I looked at the pipe when the engine was running and where it joins just under the inlet manifold it has kind of sucked itself together. Is that what it is supposed to do?

Also..I haven't taken my battery off since replacing the ICV and TPS so could the problem be as simple as doing that to reset the ECU?

Ross

gort · 11 Sep 2008 at 13:31

I've lost my Haynes Manual, can someone scan a pic or point out where the ICV is on a 1999 Focus 1.6 Zetec engine? I'm having similar issues with mine (revs go up and down slightly when idle.)

Ta

dalin80 · 11 Sep 2008 at 13:37

I would guess the vehicle speed sensor, it can effect the idle on cars even when not moving.

Dogbreath · 11 Sep 2008 at 13:41

My brothers Focus has always done this, if the car is rolling even quite slowly the RPM goes up, and once the car has been stopped for a couple of seconds it drops back to normal.

Ross · 13 Sep 2008 at 11:11

I thought if the speed sensor was faulty the speedo needle dropped to zero now and again, mine has never done that. How do i test for a vacuum leak?

FLee5 · 14 Sep 2008 at 11:53

Had a similar problem on an earlier zetec ford and found that changing the engine managment temp sensor solved the problem.

Jonnycoupe · 15 Sep 2008 at 08:31

Mine does something similar, these cars also seem devoid of engine braking. Do they actually do fuel cutoff on over run?