Hey Guys,
I'm a new owner of a 2001 Escape XLT 3.0L and I've been noticing some things like a rough idle and sticky gas pedal. So I wanna start by cleaning the throttle body and IAC but have no idea where they are located and how to disconnect things. If you could let me know, in dumb terms so I can understand, that would be great! Any help is appreciated =)

 

You need a service manual. Go buy one.

 

GO on a auto parts site and they should show a picture of them the iac valve is on the top of a tube sort a by the master cylinder

 

The Throttle body is located just to the right corner of the big plastic motor cover. You can find it by tracing the Air Intake Pipe from the air filter housing all the way to the black engine cover. You'll see 2 hose clamps on the air tube and the one nearest the center of the motor is on the throttle body. The idle Air Control valve is on top of the throttle body just to the upper right. Be aware, clean the throttle body with "Throttle Body and Air Intake Cleaner." It might be good to clean the MAF sensor while you have the black air tube off. THe air sensor is located in the air box just prior to the black air tubes 1st hose clamp. USE ONLY "MASS AIR FLOW" cleaner on the MAF sensor. The MAF Sensor can be taken out with a #20 Torx Security bit. Handle it carefully. NOTE: Go buy a Haynes Manual from any auto parts store for about $20. My manual shows the throttle body procedure in section 4-12 and the MAF Sensor procedure in section 6-9 of Haynes Manual #36022. Best Of luck to you. Not a hard procedure.

 

The rough idle and "sticky" throttle are probably from the IAC not closing. I recentlly had to replace the one on my daughter's 03 3.0L escape. It's actually the easiest thing to change on the whole motor. Cleaning may or may not help the IAC but it's worth a shot.

 

NPCCPPARTSMAN,

You are so right about the Idle Air Valve. I cleaned my wife's and almost 1 yr. later I had to replace. Cost is average=$45 give or take a few bucks and brand.