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Old 10-06-2008, 07:54 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Default 94 thunderbird idle problem

Got in the car to go to class and as soon as i started it the rpm's shot up to 2000 and sat there for a while then came back down after waiting for a few..eh. So I get to school and as soon as I took it out of D the rpm's shot up to 2 grand again, waited a while..still stayed there and I had to shut it off and go inside. Came out of class 2 hours later, same thing only this time the rpm's wouldn't drop, though they'd dropped to 1500 and then something made it jump back to 2000 again. Along the ride home I could feel I was braking against the engine and same thing when I put it in park when I got home. I tried tapping the gas to make it go down and that just raised it more as well as putting on the AC. Any ideas, IAC valve?

specs:
94 thunderbird, 3.8 V6 51,xxx original miles

Thanks, Ted
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Old 10-06-2008, 08:46 PM   #2 (permalink)
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High Idle
The three most important things to look at when one has a high idle speed is
1. check that the throttle cable is not sticking or binding.
2. check and clean the Idle Air Control valve IAC
Ford Fuel Injection » Idle Air Bypass (IAB)

3. to rule out any vacuum leaks


Checking for vacuum leaks.
Some of the sensors and some of the actuators either read the amount of vacuum, or use vacuum to move controls, therefore it is important to the proper functioning of the engine that your vacuum system is fully intact. Otherwise one may get codes falsely indicating that there is a problem with a controller/actuator, or a sensor when in reality it is caused by a lack of vacuum.

Look at your rubber vacuum hoses (they are about 1/4 - 3/8 inches in diameter, if they are dry rotted or cracked, replace them. IF they slip on/off of their connectors too easily, they may have stretched out a little bit, cut the ends off, and put them back on.

You may listen for a leak. Sometimes using a cut off piece of garden hose is a good aid to listen with. Sometimes a cardboard tube (like from gift wrapping paper) is helpful. Just remember that whenever you stick your head inside a running engine compartment, that you are not wearing any loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught.

Another suggestion is to use a spray can of carb cleaner and spray around the bottom of the intake manifold, and the base of the throttle body assembly. IF there is a leak, you should hear a change in your engine.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy, or use water instead of carb cleaner (it works, but not as well.) Be aware that if you use water and the wires get wet and it runs worse... your wires may be bad, and the water is allowing them to arc instead of jump the gap of the spark plug.
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2006 Alt Fuel Jeep (electric)
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'99 Crown Vic 4.6L
'90 Full Size Bronco 5.0L
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Old 10-06-2008, 09:34 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Thanks for the reply, I already checked the cables and they're fine so now I'll move onto cleaning the IAC. It's the valve that goes into the side of the TB and not the top, right?
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Old 10-06-2008, 09:49 PM   #4 (permalink)
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I don't know what your engine looks like. I have a '98 windstar with a 3.8 v6 and the IAC is on top, the TPS is on the side.
Go to AutoZone.com - Get in the Zone!
search for idle air control valve
then enter your car and engine specifics.
they'll usually present a picture.
THen search for TPS or throttle position sensor

the difference is very obvious.
BTW.. I am pretty sure that the link I sent to you above to fordfuel injection tells you how to test the IAC.
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Old 10-07-2008, 08:39 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Had to get a new IAC, car runs beautiful. Thanks again
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Old 10-08-2008, 07:35 AM   #6 (permalink)
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Yahoo!!!
I love it when a plan comes together
And you're welcome Ted.

Thanks for posting back the solution for your high idle.
Have a great day!
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