Idle Air Control

[Engineer]

2001 Ford Escape 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 147000 miles

On warm or hot days, my 2001 Ford Escape will not idle when I start it again, after driving for a while. This seems to be a common problem with a lot of folks. On many forums, it has been suggested that the problem might be with the IAC (Idle Air Controller).

However, why would the IAC care whether it's a hot or cold day outside? I suspect that the problem might be further upstream, perhaps in the intake air temperature sensor?

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by Engineer

... On many forums, it has been suggested that the problem might be with the IAC (Idle Air Controller).

It is likely dirty/gummed up/sticking.

[DavePJ]

Originally Posted by wobbie

3) letting off the gas at highway speeds it is very slow to idle down - in fact if I slip the shifter into neutral at about 70mph (2200rpm) it will hold thr rpm at about 2000 and slowly idle down as I lose speed. [yes I know this is not recommended driving practice - and I rolled out to a stop before shifting back into gear.] I expected the computer to see the shift and unload the rpms. Also, taping the brakes in this manouver did not cause a noticeable drop in rpm.

I also noticed this behavior on my '09 3.0L Escape. It sometimes takes a little time for the engine to get down to the normal idle speed. I don't know if it's normal, but I plan to report it to my dealer. I'm going to start paying more attention to it and see if it can be easily replicated. It hasn't been a bother, so I mostly have forgotten about it until I saw your post.

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by DavePJ

I also noticed this behavior on my '09 3.0L Escape.

Your car/engine does not have an IAC. It has electronic throttle control. Yout gas pedal is NOT connected to the engine. A computer opens and closes the throttle.