1995 Ford Escort Idle's High

GMC_GIRL

MEMBER
1995 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
144,000 MILES

My car is a 95 escort wagon LX. 1.9l
When I start my car it idles to 3000rpm. If I put the car into reverse the car instantly idles down but it feels like the motor was going to jump right out. The power of the engine shifting shook the entire car. The dealer I purchased it from replaced the motor mounts and it still seems to to the same thing. I can back up fine and when I put the car in drive it takes off without me using the gas pedal it can go from 15-20 mph depending on it's mood. Today I started it and it went beyong 4000rpm, I thought the engine was going to blow, then it dropped to around 2500. Once I started driving it, it went to 1000rpm. When I press the gas to increase speed it is slow and it seems like a gas hog. I know it should be easy on gas. I replaced the fuel filter but then it dawned on me. The idling is probably the main reason :( I really need help.

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Too fast an idle speed. If an engine without computerized idle speed control is idling too fast and refuses to come down to a normal idle speed despite your best efforts to back off the carburetor idle speed screw or air bypass adjustment screw (fuel injection), air is getting past the throttle somewhere. Common leak paths include the carburetor and throttle body gaskets, carburetor insulator spacers, intake manifold gaskets, and of course, any of the engine's vacuum fittings, hoses and accessories. It is even possible that leaky O-rings around the fuel injectors are allowing air to leak past the seals. Another overlooked item can be a worn throttle shaft and a defective idle speed speed control motor/valve stuck in the extended (high idle speed) position/throttle position sensor. Also the throttle plate could be binding in its bore and kinked accelerator cable, coolant temperature sensor might not be operating properly misleading the computer that the engine is still cold and computer throwing fuel at it raising the idle speed.