Hello, my wife has her 03 escape v6. It has a very rough and low idle. On start up it idles nicely and then the idle drops and pulses if that makes any sense. I've pulled I think its the idle control sensor. It killed the engine as soon as I did. I've cleaned the throttle body. Any more suggestions?

 

Are all the recalls up to date? There have been several and two are related to throttle. One is throttle cable and the other is a reprogramming of the computer to prevent stalling. (probably not the issue, but important).
I would take it to a large chain type auto parts store to have any existing codes pulled and many stores provide this as a free service to sell the parts needed to repair the vehicle.
Could be one of several bad sensors, Fuel injector(s) plugging up, ect.. and there isn't enough information provided to offer more.

 

You can check that the IAC - Idle Air Control - is working by starting the engine from cold. The idle should be above 1,000rpms for ~30 seconds or so, then drop in steps to ~750. Put the selector in D or R, and watch the tachometer. The idle should stay steady, with perhaps a miniscule drop and then rebound back to the 750. Turn on the A/C, and watch. The same thing, slight drop and recover, should occur. If not, your IAC is not keeping things proper, and likely needs cleaning or replacement. You can remove the connector, and the two bolts, and slosh it out with carb cleaner and air under pressure. Use 'catalytic converter safe' cleaner. Replace, and check for proper operation. If you can 'feel' the IAC fit back into its original gasket position, you can reuse the original gasket if it came off cleanly. You do not have to twirl the bolts very hard to effect a good seal and retention in place.
tom