EF base idle - what should it be? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

back2thefutura · 09-08-2004, 03:56

I posted about the issues my EF is having with idling not so long ago, it seems they are gradually becoming more evident.

For the past week or so the idle has been wandering i.e. absolutely no throttle applied, yet idle going up and down 200rpm or so by itself. This is in normal weather, and all plugs and leads are fine (checked them). Premium fuel too.

I'm going to be getting a new accelerator cable installed hopefully sometime next week (finally get round to it), however i'm not sure if this will fix it.

The TPS is relatively new - it was replaced in March of this year, so im tending to think that it is not causing the problem. I'm going to take it off and check it and clean it tomorrow though. I'm also going to try a full ECU reset, and perhaps reset base idle too - so i need to know what it is.

So, apart from the cable, is there anything else i can/should be checking?

TIA,

one very anti-EF b2tf!

INJECTED250 · 09-08-2004, 04:01

power stering pressure switch ..... its on the drivers side of the rack .. try unpluging it and see if it stops..

back2thefutura · 09-08-2004, 04:08

Ok well that brings up a whole new question!

One of the hoses on the power steering is leaking (being replaced on Monday), it's not the pressure line, but still, would it have any effect on this?

INJECTED250 · 09-08-2004, 04:23

are u sure its not the power stering switch, the leak like hell when there stuffed, if you pull the plug of, just like an injector plug and its wet inside (red color) good chance its stuffed.

back2thefutura · 09-08-2004, 04:26

I'm 95% sure it's definately the hose, if i run my fingers along it it dribbles fluid all over my hands. Will find out for sure on monday though.

But anyway, how does the PS affect the idle?!

INJECTED250 · 09-08-2004, 04:32

well when u turn the stering wheel the pressure in the rack opens that switch this tell the computer there is extra load on the engine, and so it wacks the idle up a lill just when the stering is turrned , this is to stop the car from stalling. When these seitches play up the idle hunts because the switch is opening and closing even though the stering isnt being turned....

Yagz · 09-08-2004, 05:22

Same thing happens when you turn the A/C on, it'll hunt for a sec.. drop, then go higher, and self level..

back2thefutura · 09-08-2004, 05:38

Yeah ive noticed the aircon one, just never as much the power steering causing the idle to rise.

The idle is hunting when its parked - so, no steering and no aircon either, which is why i think it's something else.

XR6child · 09-08-2004, 20:10

Dont worry B2F. If the power steer is turning on itself, then the revs will automatically hunt whether youre turning the wheel or not.

Get it checked out, And dont be too anti EF.. One week after the 20th of this month will be a glorius time for EF Falcons........ And you will love them again......

cheers,
-The Philosophical child

back2thefutura · 09-08-2004, 22:20

Errrrrr.................why?! Am I missing something?!