2005 Ford Focus engine light, white smoke at startup

BAMAKODAKER

MEMBER
2005 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
11,835 MILES

I noticed the last several nights (summer, warm, car has been sitting for several hours) as I cranked my car to go home it would idle up, then it would surge up to a rather high idle (this is a change, don't remember a high idle like this), after a while it would drop back down to normal.
Last night coming home the engine light came on.
This morning when I cranked it up I noticed a good bit of white smoke come out of exhaust.
What is going on?
I must admit - I've done little more than change the oil and filters. Original plugs and wires. I regularly use fuel injector cleaner. I think I might have noticed recent a very slight drop in power at lower speeds going up a hill but not enough to be a real concern. Any help is appreciated.
bamakodaker

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Have the computer scanned for code/s-you have a problem within the engine management system that caused the CEL to turn on-This is your starting point of diagnosis, finding out what's going on.

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Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 AT 9:34 AM

BAMAKODAKER

MEMBER
4 POSTS

About the smoke - I've not noticed any from this vehicle before. It was white (lt. Gray?) Smoke that wafted around the car and continued on - not steam.

AutoZone did a scan;
Trouble shooting P2004
Definition
Intake manifold runner control (IMRC) stuck open
bank 1
Explanation
ECM has commanded the IMRC closed but detects it open
Probable cause
1 - short circuit condition
2 - damaged IMRC actuator or solenoid
3 - blocked vacuum hose

I found the IMRC/actuator below and behind throttle body. I watched the rod leading up from IMRC/actuator. As engine started the rod went down. After a second or so the rod came back up and the RMP's settled down. After 3-4 seconds the rod went back down and the engine went up to rather high RPM's. After about 2 seconds the RPM's started going down but the rod stayed down even as the RPM's went down to normal idle. I see nothing to indicate a short. I followed the vacuum hose under IMRC/actuator to where it joined another hose under manifold then hose went behind manifold. I saw no kinks or bends.

I really need to repair this myself as to $$. Not what I need 2 days before leaving on 800 mile round trip!

Any thoughts or suggestions greatly appreciated.

Bamakodaker