Couple problems (check engine light)

[Capman2k]

This has actually been going on for over a month, but now it's just annoying as hell...

#1: Every so often the check engine light comes on.. It'll stay on for a few minutes, go off, come back on, go off... You know the drill... Anyway, after the light has come on, if I put it in Neutral or Park it idles up to about 2,000 RPM's. Other times the check engine light doesn't come on, but it will idle in park or neutral at about 2500-3000 RPM's. Sometimes it just idles normally (between 500-1500 RPM's) Not sure what's going on, but I'd like to fix that.

#2: This one is less annoying and there don't seem to be any side effects. If I do a hard brake, or have the brakes depressed for over a minute or so, the Brake light and the rear ABS lights come on. After I do the hard brake, they usually go off. But if I'm sitting with the brakes on, the lights will not turn off... Any ideas for that?

Head gaskets still need to be replaced soon... Otherwise I can't think of anything else going wrong with the X...

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Capman, a trouble code scan would help to pinpoint the problems, but the bad idle is probably caused by a dirty or faulty IAC (idle air control). It's located on the throttle body (2 bolts and electrical connector). I would try cleaning it first, before replacing; do a search on "cleaning IAC".

The brakes are a little harder to diagnose. Does the brake pedal seem to bleed down when you hold it depressed? If so, you need a new master cylinder. If the brakes feel fine, then try cleaning the rear ABS sensor. Again, do a search, there are plenty of threads describing the procedure. Good luck.

 

[dogfriend]

Problem #1- I had a bad IAC and it never set any codes - there is no direct feedback to the computer from the IAC. I would scan for codes (OBDI readers are cheap), or have Autozone read them for you. I think its possibly a problem with the IAC but I think you could have an additional problem which is lighting the CEL.

Problem #2 - I had this on my Ford Ranger. If you don't have any obvious signs of leaks or other problems, I would try bleeding the brake system (especially if you haven't done it for awhile). My Ranger did this for a least a year, then miraculaously cured itself about 3 mo before I sold it. I was having problems with the battery not staying charged (I wasn't driving it very often) so maybe you should try disconnecting the battery to make the ABS module "forget" what is ailing it.

 

[TPLYNCH]

#1) Is your engine runnign hot or overheating??? If yes, the engine will automatically idle high to try and cool the engine down.

#2) Sorry, can't help with this one.....

 

[Strike12]

I agree , sounds like a faulty IAC . It could be dirty or shot .Try cleaning with TB cleaner and a Q-Tip , Make sure the pintle moves back and forth freely .Could also be a serious vacuum leak , you mentioned head gaskets . The Iac maybe trying to compensate for the leak and cant keep up with it .Idle will typically be higher than normal with a vacuum leak . This could cause some crazy engine problems such as yours.