Gentlemen-
What's with the high idle at a cold start, is that normal? When I start my truck it immediatly revs up to about 2000rpm and slowly drops over 30 seconds or so (no, I dont have the foot on the gas). Is this just a ford thing? I go to work at 4 am and with the combination of high idle and exhaust, I am waiting for the neighbors to complain.

 

My 2003 with the older 5.4 does the same thing. It's just a cold start thing it does. Makes it sound worse with aftermarket exhaust.

 

Hey New To Ford I have the exact samething ,becouse of a cold start I didnt give to much of a thought anytime time of the day it does it

 

Also had the fast idle when cold, along with poor fuel economy. Computer reflashed (sorry don't know which version they loaded) and plroblem went away!

 

Personally, I like the cold start/high idle. Gets the engine warm for me while i do other things (run inside to grab my coffee, throw some things in the back of the truck, put my sun glasses on...etc)...92merc's right though, it sounds hella loud with my flowmaster on it...but I like it that way!


-Louie

 

Even when the temp is 50F outside, my 5.4 2005 SCrew initially idles near 2000RPM after a cold start and takes about 45sec before the idle drops below 1000RPM. Is this normal? Some have mentioned that reflashing has solved their problem. How does your (fomocojoe101 or others) truck behave during a cold idle after it had been reflashed?

Thanks

 

My '04 5.4l does the same thing. Takes about 30 seconds to calm down but not to bad. Remember the days of carburators with "automatic" chokes? They would high idle till you stomped on the gas a couple of times. Oh how times have changed. It nice to have a vehicle that will start in severe cold with out being plugged in.

 

Hey guys,

A high idle after a cold start is normal. Most modern cars do it. The primary function of fast idle is to warm up the catalytic converters, getting them to the most efficient operating temperature as quickly as possible. We all know a hot cat is the best cat! This feature helps reduce emissions and will get that heat/defrost going for those cold mornings.

 

Mine did that, had it flashed, now it's better. Also fuel mileage better than before.

 

high idle is normal .

 

Rancheroracer or other reflashers,

Please describe how your engine now idle during a cold start.
Thanks

 

Acts the same way only rpm isn't as high as before flash, about 1500 now. Doesn't take too long to start dropping, if I put it in gear within seconds of starting, idle speed decreases & truck runs fine.

 

Sorry that I am coming to this late but I have the same situation but for the last couple of days, there is also puff of white smoke that comes out after my 2001 F150 Supercrew has been sitting for a little while (overnight, several hours). I'm down in Dallas so 20 degree weather is not the issue. Never had the high idle before. It started just a few months ago. Do I need to see a mechanic?

 

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Boyd, It sounds like a possible vacuum leak to me. I'd definately get it looked at.