Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Gotta (high) idle problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 16, 2011 | 05:47 PM
  #1  
sibernut's Avatar
sibernut
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 92
Likes: 10
Gotta (high) idle problem

94 F150/302FI 2wd, A/C. engine idles high intermittently, anywhere from 1000 to 2000 while driving, almost like on "cruise". Feels like stuck throttle, real fun in traffic. Replaced TPS & throttle cable. Opened up intake, cleaned bores and throttle plates. Disconnected cruise cable. When I'm driving & it does it, if I put it in N while still moving it stays sped up for a second then drops to normal idle (750-800RPM).
Won't do it sitting still. Does it have a VSS somewhere that's FUBAR?
Any help appreciated!!
 
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2011 | 06:07 AM
  #2  
Freightrain's Avatar
Freightrain
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Club FTE Silver Member

Idle air motor sticking? They get gummed up. Pull it off, clean it up with brake clean and see what it does.

They usually fail and make it not idle, but who knows?
 
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2011 | 07:48 AM
  #3  
Tote-M-Pole's Avatar
Tote-M-Pole
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Rust/Salt Belt in SW Mich
Siber,

It does sound like the IAC. With that said have you checked for codes? Couple of thoughts
Unhook the throttle cable and manually actuate the throttle, it should feel smooth. Now do the same for the cable, it should also feel smooth.

Just my 2 cents
 
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2011 | 08:40 AM
  #4  
fonefiddy's Avatar
fonefiddy
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,585
Likes: 1
From: Duluth, Mn.
It sounds like a vacuum leak.
 
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2011 | 08:49 AM
  #5  
sibernut's Avatar
sibernut
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 92
Likes: 10
High idle

Tks, guys for the fast response! Yes, I have manipulated the butterflies with the cable off, even added a second spring temporarily to the linkage before the new cable. No different.
What is "IAC" ? I'll check out the vac leak thing ASAP. BTW, I have the A/C unplugged, so the compressor won't kick in & run it up. I am at the point that I'm ready to stand in front with M/W on the brake in D just to see what I can find. (I have no big life ins policy, no motive.......)
 
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2011 | 09:38 AM
  #6  
ryan f150 4x4's Avatar
ryan f150 4x4
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: peterborough ontario
the iac is in the side or top of the throttal body its easy to test start the truck and unplug it it the tuck quites the iac is work if it says running it needs cleaning or replaced
 
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2011 | 11:28 AM
  #7  
sibernut's Avatar
sibernut
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 92
Likes: 10
IAC

I think what you are calling the IAC I would call the "mass air sensor", right ? I'll try it today, w the vac leak theory. TKS!
 
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2011 | 11:59 AM
  #8  
ryan f150 4x4's Avatar
ryan f150 4x4
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: peterborough ontario
the mass air is the the air intake tube not on the throttal body
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Dec 17, 2011 | 02:05 PM
  #9  
sibernut's Avatar
sibernut
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 92
Likes: 10
MAF

OK, unplugged it, RPM dropped a hundred but didn't quit. Is there a proceedure for cleaning other than a blow out? New looks like $76, rather try a cleaning 1st.
 
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2011 | 08:02 PM
  #10  
Freightrain's Avatar
Freightrain
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Club FTE Silver Member

Unbolt it from intake, get yourself a can of brake clean(not carb cleaner) and spray it liberally in the two holes. Using a small scewdriver you should be able to move the rod back and forth. Look inside and you'll see the "valve" seat area. Make sure it's not carboned up. You can remove the soleniod portion and work on the valve itself.

How it works: it's a controlled vacuum leak as it allows more air pasted the throttle blades. If it sticks open/closed or gummy it will make it idle fast or slow depending on condition.

Usually cleaning them up will make a drastic change in idle quality.
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2011 | 06:10 PM
  #11  
sibernut's Avatar
sibernut
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 92
Likes: 10
Cleaned MAF sensor, replaced IAC. Still doing it, but better. Only idles up at 1500 now in gear, stopped. Keep the ideas coming, I appreciate the help!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
johnfl
General Automotive Discussion
14
Nov 5, 2023 09:39 PM
imsorope
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Apr 23, 2014 10:22 PM
mechelement
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
10
Sep 17, 2013 11:13 PM
ForsytheM13
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Sep 12, 2010 04:07 PM
appliedcryogenics
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
2
Feb 22, 2004 08:40 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:58 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE