High Idle at Startup
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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High Idle at Startup
My 93 V8 5L has a very high idle at startup. I thought this was the choke kicking in but it happens in the middle of the summer as well. It only idles high for 2-3 minutes and then goes down to normal and drives great from there. If i don't let it run it's high to low cycle (ie. startup and drive right away) it drives sluggish. Is this something that I should be concerned about? Is there an easy adjustment that won't screw up the overall idle? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. 93CC
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
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I have a 94 and the same thing happens. I talked to my brother once and he said that it is to help get the oil and other lubricant moving and to get the engine warmed up some (even in summer). It's nothing to really worry about, and as for changing the idle, you may want to talk to a mechanic about it. Hope it helps.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: everywhere and nowhere
nothin to get your panties in a wad over, is normal operation, my 5.8 has done that since 87, and my fathers 4.6 will do it for a short time as well, dont be alarmed.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Yep- my '93 5.0 does the same thing (always has, come to think of it). I like to wait for the idle to settle down before I shift it into gear, though. I imagine I'm saving the tranny a little grief. Laugh if you want, I'm still running the original 4EOD @ 190K miles.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Brampton Canada
Every fuel injected Ford pickup I've ever owned has done the same thing - high idle at cold start (summer or winter) - lasts about 45 seconds then down to normal idle. I usually start the truck(s), turn on the radio, put on seatbelt, etc - then the idle is down to normal and drive off. I wouldn't worry about it - seems to me thats the way they work.
Glenn
Glenn
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Kearney, Nebr
I agree there...2-3 minutes is quite a long warmup. How many r's is she pulling when you first start the engine?
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90' F150 XLT Lariat Lb Loaded
302w/ headers /4-speed/ 4.10 rear
2.25" True Duals/24" packs/5th wheel
__________
90' F150 XLT Lariat Lb Loaded
302w/ headers /4-speed/ 4.10 rear
2.25" True Duals/24" packs/5th wheel
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Kearney, Nebr
That does sound about right... When mine first starts up it will idle around 1500 then kicks down like they said before. When my TPS went out, my idle was always be high, not just while warming up, even between shifts.
__________
90' F150 XLT Lariat Lb Loaded
302w/ headers /4-speed/ 4.10 rear
2.25" True Duals/24" packs/5th wheel
__________
90' F150 XLT Lariat Lb Loaded
302w/ headers /4-speed/ 4.10 rear
2.25" True Duals/24" packs/5th wheel
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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I had the TPS changed about a month back so maybe I'm just noticing it now because i didn't have it idleing down at all before. I appreciate all of the help, it sounds like there probably isn't anything too major to be concerned about.