1997 Ford Escort Idle is high

MYREDHULK

MEMBER
1997 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
58,700 MILES

I purchased this car for my daughter a month ago. I it idles great. But I noticed that the cooling fan 40 amp fuse was blown. So I replaced the fuse. But now the engine idles very high. So I pulled the fuse back out and now the engine idles low. So I put it back in again and it's high. So I pulled it out until I find out why. So can you help.

5 Replies

SCOTTY DEE

MECHANIC
592 POSTS

Are there any codes stored? My suspicion is the Idle Air Control. When the fans comes on they will pull the engine down somewhat, but the IAC should make the compensation if it's working correctly. The first stategy will be to scan for codes.

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Monday, February 22nd, 2010 AT 6:14 PM

MYREDHULK

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3 POSTS

No like I stated. It was running fine until I replaced the fuse. When I placed a new one in it reved real high. When I pulled the fuse out while it was runni ng it went back to normal. So can The IAC be masked by that 40 amp fuse

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Monday, February 22nd, 2010 AT 6:53 PM

SCOTTY DEE

MECHANIC
592 POSTS

Are you sure there are no codes stored? If not, I would remove the IAC valve and clean it as the first step in diagnosing this problem.

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Monday, February 22nd, 2010 AT 7:00 PM

MYREDHULK

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I know if I clean the IAC Valve I have to replace the gasket. But what do I clean it with. And can The Colling fuse cause it to idle high and low like that? Because the fuse must have been blown when I got it. And what size bolts are on a 1997 Ford Escort Thermostat Housing. Sorry for the extra question. I will send in another donation. And what size tap should I use because the one bolt broke. So sorry again for the extra question

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Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 AT 12:02 PM

SCOTTY DEE

MECHANIC
592 POSTS

Clean the valve with Berrymans B-12. Not sure abput the t-stat bolt size, I would gues 12-13mm. Get an easy out to try to remove the broken bolt. If the easy out wont do it, then drill it out and retap.