I have recently been having a problem with my 2001 ford escape XLT. It has about 150000km's on it now. I recently started having this problem since winter has been setting in and it only does it on a cold night when you try to start it for the first time in the morning. Basically you go to start it, it will start ok and everything and then the idle goes way down and it runs extremely rough. It will run rough for about 10 minutes until it warms up or if you give it a little gas it will also be fine. I have no idea what else to try with it as I have alreay replaced the IAC valve, fuel filter, air filter, EGR valve and I just cleaned the MAF sensor. Like I said though after you drive it and go to restart it later in the day it runs fine or when you are driving it, it runs fine as well. I had it in a ford dealer last winter with this same problem but they did the EGR and I thought that fixed it as it didn't do it the rest of the winter or through the summer until now again. Also just to mention I cleaned the MAF sensor with MAF sensor cleaner and had to take it off as well, does anyone think it would be worth replacing this or no. Please help me I am getting sick my escape real fast. Thanks, Derek

 

I just replaced my MAF flow sensor $151.00, because it took a dump on me. I can tell a difference in the car in the colder weather. At 28 degrees it started first try. Cleaning the MAF and the IAC is like putting a band-aid over a gun shot wound. I would say if you have it to spend replace the MAF, it's a cheap investment and you'll tell better gas mileage to. Just my .02 Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Ok well maybe I'll get a new MAF then and try that, I just didn't want to all of a sudden as some people told me that wouldn't make it idle that rough but I don't know. As for my IAC it was replaced last winter so I don't think it thats anyway thanks for the suggestion and if you got anymore info let me know.

 

I'm not telling you that's what's wrong, but that would be my guess. Maybe someone will chime in and give you an idea.

 

Something else you might check out is whether your injectors are leaking a small amount of fuel after you shut off the car. I'm not sure how you would diagnose it but it but leaky injectors might cause the symptoms you describe.

 

Hey just wanted to let ya know I ordered a MAF sensor and it will be in tomorrow. I figured I would start with that and see what happens, hopefully this fixes the problem but I will update everyone tomorrow or the next day. Thanks for the tips, keep em coming.

 

Well I changed my MAF sensor and so far so good. It has been running good when its cold and at start up so I hope that cured the problem. I tried it on a few really cold mornings and didn't seem to notice any hesitation in the idle. I will keep everyone updated if things change. Thanks again for all the tips.

 

Thanks for the update.