2005 Engine Dies at Idle

jccbone62 · 11-03-2009, 05:30 PM

My Ford Escape dies at idle. It runs good, no unexplained engine high idling. But it dies at any stop. I've replaced the IAC in hopes that was it. The problem is still there. I've visually check for vaccum leaks but did not see any issues. Does anyone have any new suggestions for what may be my problem? Any hep is much appreciated and thanks in advance.

zoom_ute · 11-04-2009, 08:48 AM

V6 or 4 cyl? Auto or manual trans? If auto, does it do it in gear only or in gear and when in neutral? You should use a vac gauge to verify there are no vacuum leaks. Have you looked at any of the EGR plumbing to make sure that is working properly? Any codes stored?

zoom_ute · 11-04-2009, 08:58 AM

Couple of TSBs to look into:

07-5-6 MAR 07 A/T - Engine Stall Upon Gear Engagement

06-11-7 JUN 06 Engine Controls/A/T - Unstable Idle/Shuddering

jccbone62 · 11-04-2009, 04:55 PM

Thanks for the replies / suggestions thus far. Keep them coming.
I have a V6 3.0 Engine with the automatic transmission.
No vehicle codes come up.
It does not die when in Neutral.
It dies when the car comes to a stop.
It's seems to be getting worse. By this I mean it dies more often at a stop and sometimes seem to want to die when putting it in gear.
Without any directions on what exactly could be causing this problem, I will have to investigate on how to do the Vacuum checks. I hope this is something simple.
Keep the suggestions coming. Thanks again.

zoom_ute · 11-05-2009, 10:13 AM

you'll need a vac gauge to check with, they are pretty inexpensive. Easy test is to "tee" in the gauge with a known vac line like the one to the fuel pressure sensor. Typically you should see 20 in-Hg at idle in neutral. If you have access to a scan tool that shows live data you can do a basic check of other things like fuel trims, reported fuel pressure, etc. sometimes these can give you additional clues. A really advanced tool can look at IAC "counts" and things like that to determine how hard the engine is working to hold idle.

EHB · 11-05-2009, 06:20 PM

Are you still under warrranty? If so, get it checked out at the dealer.
It may be an ignition coil failing on your Escape. I just passed 73,000 miles on my Escape and the engine died upon acceleration. Fortunately, it restarted but engine was running rough. I just talked with a service tech today at the local Ford dealer and he mentioned that it is a common problem on the 2005s. For what it's worth, spend a $100 or so bucks at your local dealer or garage for the diagnostics check if you're not under warranty. One coil failed and caused two others to fail in the process.
Since Sunday, I am presently in the hole for $780.00 for the coils and now need a $600.00 PCM(Powertrain Control Module). I am doing my own labor because of the high price of parts. My warranty expired 3,000 miles ago.
I had a symptom of a slipping transmission at first.
I hope this helps to prevent you from having to go through the same problem.
I just found out, in CA, that my problem is covered under the 8year, 80,000 mile warranty. I had no idea this existed. Perhaps your problem is covered under this also. Not an extended warranty, I believe it is an emissions warranty that covers the ignition coil, PCM, and more. Check your warranty manual or call your local dealer to see if your problem is covered. It could save you, literally, a couple thousand dollars.

wptski · 11-05-2009, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EHB

Are you still under warrranty? If so, get it checked out at the dealer.
It may be an ignition coil failing on your Escape. I just passed 73,000 miles on my Escape and the engine died upon acceleration. Fortunately, it restarted but engine was running rough. I just talked with a service tech today at the local Ford dealer and he mentioned that it is a common problem on the 2005s. For what it's worth, spend a $100 or so bucks at your local dealer or garage for the diagnostics check if you're not under warranty. One coil failed and caused two others to fail in the process.
Since Sunday, I am presently in the hole for $780.00 for the coils and now need a $600.00 PCM(Powertrain Control Module). I am doing my own labor because of the high price of parts. My warranty expired 3,000 miles ago.
I had a symptom of a slipping transmission at first.
I hope this helps to prevent you from having to go through the same problem.

Check out this TSB about sparkplugs causing burnt coil packs because it affects and sometimes damages the coil drivers in the PCM.

tsb09-02-06.pdf

EHB · 11-07-2009, 12:17 PM

Thanks Bill,
I talked with the Service Manager at my local dealer yesterday. The PCM itself is $854.00 before labor. Spark plug coils around $100.00 each. Alone, that is over $1400.00 in parts. The manager advised me that Ford has an 8year, 80,000mile warranty that covers the PCM replacement. When I got home, I checked the manual (something I should have done before replacing the coils on my own) and found that the warranty existed. I thought my warranty ran out at 50,000 miles. However, I live in CA and that might be part of the reason for this warranty. In any case, ,my Escape is getting on a tow truck and heading to the dealer this morning for the replacement. I figure I wasted $350.00 on NAPA ignition coils, but if Ford replaces those with Ford OEM coils and the PCM under this warranty then I won't lose as much sleep.
By the way, Ford's customer service representative was no help. I had to call the dealer direct about this issue. The rep told me that event thought there is no protection in the ignition circuit for the PCM because of a faulty coil, they would not cover the cost. Actually, I don't think the girl on the other end knew much more than her computer was telling her or she didn't look in the right place. Thanks for the TSB.