jar240

Howdy folks, new to the forum. My girlfriend's Ford Escort SE wagon has developed a really low idle. It was under extended warranty, so she took it to Ford. Ford said they "plugged it in", and they found nothing wrong (even though you coould feel that the car was near stalling).

Soooo, I cleaned the throttle body, but on my way in I noticed the "WARNING DO NOT CLEAN THROTTLE BODY -- SPECIAL COATING" sticker. What's up with that? The throttle body was, of course, pretty gummy. I cleaned it anyway and installed a new gasket. There was a small vac hose underneath that was also falling to pieces, so replaced that.

I've checked for other vac leaks with stethescope, but can't find any. Any ideas where to look, and what the deal is with this magical throttle body coating?

Thanks,
Chris

 

Fordtech.

Firstly the idle concern, most times turns out to be the Idle Speed Control valve or IAC in modern terminology. They don't necessarily throw up a code so a bit of trial and error is in order, removal and a good clean out then light lubing of internals, if not replacement.
Second, the throttle body has a teflon coating that reduces build-up of residue that could cause the throttle to stick. There are special TB cleaners out there, STP products being one.

jar240

Hey thanks! Is there a gasket between the IAC and the TB? (I'd like to have one on hand if so)...

On my Volvos I've used Throttle Body cleaner. I assume that's fine for the IAC? I can think of a thousand different types of lube -- what is best for this -- the TB cleaner itself?

Thanks,
Chris

Fordtech.

I can only confirm the UK model has a gasket but don't see why other regions shouldn't be the same. I normally use a degreasing bath to clean em (Jizer type fluid), then a blow out and finally any light oil to hand like ATF on the rod inside to prevent sticking. Of course being an electro-mechanical component it may have failed internally.