idle problems when it gets cold outside
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
idle problems when it gets cold outside
Hi,
I have a 2001 Escape, V6 engine and I guess it really does not like it when it's cold outside. Usually the car runs just perfect but when the winter arrives and temps drop into the 20s the truck does not want to run idle right when I first start it. I have tried by stating it without touching the gas pedal. and also by pushing it all the way down and then releasing it. I don't know which method is the right one, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.It takes some time and eventually after about 5 miles of driving it will act normal again.
What could I do to fix that?
I have a 2001 Escape, V6 engine and I guess it really does not like it when it's cold outside. Usually the car runs just perfect but when the winter arrives and temps drop into the 20s the truck does not want to run idle right when I first start it. I have tried by stating it without touching the gas pedal. and also by pushing it all the way down and then releasing it. I don't know which method is the right one, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.It takes some time and eventually after about 5 miles of driving it will act normal again.
What could I do to fix that?
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 13
From: Upstate NY
Have you taken it to Auto Zone/Advance Auto/ect.. to have the computer scanned?
Even if you don't have a check engine light, they can read some pre-codes and point you in the right direction.
There are many things that make a rough idle. My '02 had bad COP's as the primary cause and it would only idle rough if there was dew on the grass.
Even if you don't have a check engine light, they can read some pre-codes and point you in the right direction.
There are many things that make a rough idle. My '02 had bad COP's as the primary cause and it would only idle rough if there was dew on the grass.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
When first started, the engine idle speed will be above 1,000rpm. If not, then the IAC may not be working properly to give a cold fast idle. As it warms, the idle speed should drop, and eventually end up around 750rpm.
If you do not get the cold fast idle, try cleaning the IAC. IAC=Idle Air Control
tom
If you do not get the cold fast idle, try cleaning the IAC. IAC=Idle Air Control
tom
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 13
From: Upstate NY
Not to hijack the thread, but mine has a bad habit of always staying on high idle (even at temperature) if you accelerate and abruptly brake. The idle is high enough that stopping is really not easy and and it started right after being in for the recall for the firmware update to resolve stalling... I figured that was part of the upgrade.
Considering I've never had issue or done anything with the IAC I wonder if mine is sticking too.
Makes for interesting parking lot navigation during the Christmas season....
Considering I've never had issue or done anything with the IAC I wonder if mine is sticking too.
Makes for interesting parking lot navigation during the Christmas season....
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 136
Likes: 1
Maybe a little late but I've had this same issue on my wife 2001. It's the intake o-rings. When it gets cold they shrink and it allows air to enter the intake. This throws off the idle and causes the engine to idle rough or die. Once warm everything is usually fine.
They are rather cheap and available at most parts stores. Also easy to change.
They are rather cheap and available at most parts stores. Also easy to change.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
Maybe a little late but I've had this same issue on my wife 2001. It's the intake o-rings. When it gets cold they shrink and it allows air to enter the intake. This throws off the idle and causes the engine to idle rough or die. Once warm everything is usually fine.
They are rather cheap and available at most parts stores. Also easy to change.
They are rather cheap and available at most parts stores. Also easy to change.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
SHO, what will cause a seeming miss for about 10-20 seconds after cold startup that goes away?
Plugs within 25k, new upper & lower intake seals, runs smooth otherwise. No difference wet or dry, just cold.
tom
Plugs within 25k, new upper & lower intake seals, runs smooth otherwise. No difference wet or dry, just cold.
tom
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