Help, High Idle Question!

[AlaskanJack]

Problem was I was not looking at the reader rather listening to the beeps as I wrote them down. It was my first time using the code reader.

Somewhere else on here I read that this could be as simple as replacing my Thermostat. That's what fixed their problem. What relationship would these two things have? Obviously measuring the coolant temp is what the ECT does but if stuck closed how would that affect the engine idle. I am suspecting something along these lines as I noticed my temp gauge, which I rarely notice, was kind of bouncing this morning.

 

[SteveVB]

If the stat is stuck open the engine wont get to operating temp, and the comp will keep the engine in the "warm up " mode. Higher idle, rich mix.

 

[AlaskanJack]

Dang I may end up having to check the T-stat as well. And it seems to be well buried in the front of the engine.

I am going to get the codes read again at lunch time which is now.

 

[AlaskanJack]

Well back I went into my engine compartment at lunch time and found my problem. Thanks for all the help I don't know what I would do without this message board.

It's so helpful. It keeps me company when I'm alone with nothing to do. It's a mistress to some and a wife to others. Heck if it weren't for my Ford Explorer I'd be all alone!

Ha, ha, ha, ha!! Thanks all!

 

[SteveVB]

You found it...What was it???

A vacuum cap? What?

May help others who have a similar problem.

Since you pulled some codes I would follow up with them, even if the immediate problem is solved.

Glad you found ????? the problem.

 

[dogfriend]

Re: You found it...What was it???

Originally posted by SteveVB
A vacuum cap? What?

May help others who have a similar problem.

Since you pulled some codes I would follow up with them, even if the immediate problem is solved.

Glad you found ????? the problem.

I second that. I think that a hose or cap was missing from the intake manifold, but it would be nice to confirm this for others who might have the same symptoms.

 

[Howard]

Hey Jack
Do please tell us what was the problem
Was it a vacuum pipe/cap?

 

[AlaskanJack]

"YES IT WAS A VACCUUM CAP!"

I Went back at lunch time to go through the engine better. I had checked for vaccuum caps when the engine was off previously. I had checked the vaccuum lines with the engine running, but I was focused on the lines.

I went back and found that the rear most cap had blown off. I removed a valve stem cap from my tire and managed to get it over the vaccuum nipple and my idle came roaring back down.

I then looked around on the ground under my truck and there was the missing vaccuum cap.

I felt so ridiculous. But on a good note, my wife's Explorer has a rough idle and now I feel confident I know all the items to check and what to look for.

 

[Howard]

Jack don't feel bad it happens to us all at one time or another. With these modern emmision control engines it is so easy to fear the worst that we overlook the obvious. Best of luck with the wifes x that will be much harder (serious critic involved)