High idle problem identified?

diclemeg · 05-03-2008, 07:33 PM

I just tool scanned my 2003 windstar with the high idle/surging/coasting problem... it turns out that the Absolute Throttle Position reading is 18.4%, and not 0% and the short and long fuel trims are below 7% (so I guess its not a vacuum leak). Im not touching the pedal, and the linkage is not sticking as far as I know. The wierd thing is that I changed the TPS sensor recently, too. Could I may have put it on wrong? I didn't think you could. Any thoughts would be very appreciated.

jonmark1985 · 05-03-2008, 07:56 PM

Many throttle posistion sensors are adjustable.

diclemeg · 05-03-2008, 08:22 PM

how is it adjustable? this one you simply made sure the lever goes in the slot, then you screw it on.

phantom_smack · 05-03-2008, 08:47 PM

the tps mounting holes are oval allowing it to be adjusted.Could someone have adjusted the hard stop openin the throttle plate?

diclemeg · 05-03-2008, 09:43 PM

i just checked, and the mounting holes for the tps are not oval, at least not on the 2003 windstar.

adrenochrome · 05-07-2008, 06:12 PM

I would put the old TPS back on unless you bought it from Ford... Dont attempt to adjust it unless your tuning in a sooped up Mustang for instance, even though some can be drilled. It's too new of a model so the computer might compensate for it having different readings thinking it's bad and bypass it with a fixed setting and kick your check engine light on. Dont rule out the vacum leak, it is the most of all problems with vehicles these days, keep searching for it with a can of throttle body spray.

vindctar · 05-10-2008, 03:48 AM

Diclemeg, might the following explain the problem with your car?

Clean Your MAF

Quote:

Originally Posted by diclemeg

I just tool scanned my 2003 windstar with the high idle/surging/coasting problem... it turns out that the Absolute Throttle Position reading is 18.4%, and not 0% and the short and long fuel trims are below 7% (so I guess its not a vacuum leak). Im not touching the pedal, and the linkage is not sticking as far as I know. The wierd thing is that I changed the TPS sensor recently, too. Could I may have put it on wrong? I didn't think you could. Any thoughts would be very appreciated.

diclemeg · 05-13-2008, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vindctar

Diclemeg, might the following explain the problem with your car?

Clean Your MAF

I already did this, though used carb cleaner (oops) to clean the MAF. The problem occurs when I drive immediately, or when before the engine enters closed loop. Its as if its trying to heat the engine and when I put it into drive or reverse, that it doesn't realize it and continues to send high idle to warm up.

Flyingjackal456 · 05-13-2008, 09:34 AM

What kind of TPS sensor did you buy? Is it a genuine Motocraft (Ford) part? If it's generic that can be your problem. I would clean your MAF with electrical cleaner and also Check the alignment on the TPS sensor. It is supposed to be mounted horizontally, and it lines up with the seem on the throttle body. The high idle is supposed to continue while in gear, but not the 18.4% throttle. Check to see if the throttle body closes all the way to the stop screw.

firstwindstar02 · 05-13-2008, 09:53 AM

It's not adjustable. You seem to be having a malfunction in your MAF or intake system. Could be a lot of things you know. Go over all the connectors make sure they're all seated and not frayed or snipped at all for any reason. Make sure you have no melted wires too.