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

idle up and down when warm

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 16, 2003 | 02:31 AM
  #1  
schapman's Avatar
schapman
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
idle up and down when warm

Once my engine has been run a while and warms up the idle begins to go up and down. You can watch the oil pressure gauge go up and down as this happens. It only does it once the engine has warmed up. When I first start the engine its fine. Its just after its been run a while that this starts. Any idea what could cause this?
 
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2003 | 11:04 AM
  #2  
Fully_Loaded's Avatar
Fully_Loaded
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 986
Likes: 0
From: Gulf Shores, AL
Check your throttle positioning sensor if bad it will cause your engine to "hunt for idle".
 
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2003 | 11:31 AM
  #3  
Talyn's Avatar
Talyn
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
Likes: 104
From: Ashland City, TN
ITs either hunting for idle.
Or something isn't fireing properly which causes it to jump up and down like its going to stall.
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2003 | 06:45 AM
  #4  
moe58's Avatar
moe58
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
could be running rich, check tail pipe for black sutty condition. also might check idle control valve. check codes. haynes book shows you how to test most of your sensors. check out my thred (running rich) dated 11/17/2003 it might give you a few ideas of things to look at. mine is still running rich, but im working it..
 
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2003 | 08:31 AM
  #5  
m14dan's Avatar
m14dan
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
I would start with checking codes then just for the heck of it clean the Idle air control valve. I do mine every 30,000 miles. Take it off and remove the solonoid and spray it good inside with foamy window cleaner and run your finger or a qtip around inside it then rinse with hot water. You may have to do it twice but this works great. Make sure the oring and gasket are good or replace them if not.
If that fails to help then check for vaccume leaks. Doing it when it's hot sounds sortof like a plenum to intake or in the lower intake maybe but I doubt that is it. It's just not that common on a ford. Chevy yes ford not often. Well not on the older ones. How many miles on it? has it had a proper tune up lately? by proper I mean by the ford book or your owners manual service schedule. It says to replace or inspect a lot of things that never gets done till it's too late. Mine has gone over 600,000 miles following the extreme service guide in the owners manual and never left me stranded.
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2003 | 09:16 PM
  #6  
schapman's Avatar
schapman
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Just an update:

Now it seems to idle fine but the oil pressure guage keeps going up and down when idling. Its stays put when I'm driving.
 
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2003 | 12:48 AM
  #7  
Tim Ervin's Avatar
Tim Ervin
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: NE TX
Oil gauge could fluctuate because of bad engine ground or the screen on the pump sometimes carbons up. B12 Chemtool in oil right before oil change helps but breaking it up this way sends particles around the engine and can stop up lifter holes etc. History of your truck can help determine if the gauge is malfuncting or oil pump is starving. Or you can hook up a mechanical pressure gauge for a true reading and see if it moves same way. I'd also suspect TPS for erratic idle. Other than that spray cleaner on the throttlebody with air hose removed and idling to help smoothe idle.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MacPhly
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
2
Mar 18, 2015 08:06 AM
Myfreeford
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
9
Aug 25, 2014 11:03 AM
BarterOnlycom
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
24
Apr 26, 2013 08:33 PM
wmiller.1980
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Aug 27, 2011 11:02 AM
suzuki_vinson
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Dec 11, 2008 06:35 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:06 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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