1998 Ford Escort erratic idle speed

Car: Ford Escort
Year: 1998
Variant: 1998 1.8 gti
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
I am having problems with rev idle speed. Have changed mass air flow sensor. No faults are being picked up by diagnostics. Only does it intermitently when engine reved high resulting in fluctuation from 350 revs to 1400 revs (it just keeps going up and down from near stall to rapid burst as though the engine tries to pick up!) Ford garage want 800 quid to find out.
Can anyone help as I am getting VERY ANNOYED as no one seems to know what the problem is.
Thanx.
Posted: Mar 19, 2008 (16 years ago)
the only items that i can suggest for you are the idle speed control valve this can be cleaned up with some carb cleaner and should cure the revs rising and falling but you would have to remove this and clean it for best results
Posted Mar 19, 2008 (16 years ago)
If you have checked the intake system for any air leaks i would suggest replacing the idle air control valve, it is a common fault on these cars, cleaning them generally does'nt work as they usually electrically unserviceable.Also the ecu can become lazy to respond to the throttle position sensor voltage, i have over come this before by drilling out the metal sleeves and elongating the holes so it can be rotated enough to achieve 0.5 volts with the throttle closed.
Posted Mar 21, 2008 (16 years ago)

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