Focus idle problem

Six6siX · 25 Feb 2013 at 12:24

Mate has a 1.4 Focus that has recently developed a dodgy idle.

Whenever the clutch is dipped when coming to stop or stationary, the idle dips and sometimes cuts out.

Its pretty intermittent though - sometimes it goes days being perfectly normal.

Likely culprits?

Phemo · 25 Feb 2013 at 14:22

What year Focus is it?

I had the same problem with my 2009 1.6 Fiesta. Turned out to be the throttle body for me but this issue can be any number of things.

Tesla · 25 Feb 2013 at 14:23

Idle control valve?

Imy · 25 Feb 2013 at 14:28

I had that issue on my MK1 Focus and it was the idle control valve. At least the first time it was anyway. Got the problem again a year or so later but never solved it.

Mine would always cut out around 35mph when braking for roundabouts and I'd lose assisted steering/brakes

bledd · 25 Feb 2013 at 14:32

Idle control valve or a split piece of tubing

Six6siX · 25 Feb 2013 at 14:41

Its a MK1 as well.

Imy that sounds almost exactly as he described.

So the idle control valve - expensive/difficult fix? DIY-able?

Tesla · 25 Feb 2013 at 14:44

Six6siX said:
expensive/difficult fix? DIY-able?

no. no. yes.

bledd · 25 Feb 2013 at 14:45

Sometimes they just need cleaning, it's worth checking for leaks before tackling that though.

Leaks in split hoses can vary as to when they appear; typically temperature dependant, they'll happen at certain times when it's the 'right' temperature.

Six6siX · 25 Feb 2013 at 15:10

Cleaning the icv? What with?

That's a good point - I'll get him to have a check around for any bad hoses/leaks.