Idol problems

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Mar 16, 2009 | 09:16 AM

angel4linda

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Idol problems

2004 Ford Expedition, Idol drops and revs up when in park and at a complete stop. <st1>Battery</st1> light blinks when idol drops to far then the truck revs up and down. Need helpful advice to target problem. I try to complete repairs on my truck myself by using the book made for my truck. I'm not a mechanic. I'm a woman with basic knowledge of general maintenance on vehicles and repairing parts on previous vehicles that have malfunctioned. Any help is greatly appreciated. I don't want to get stuck on the side of the hwy with all my kids. It's not fun. Thanks

Mar 16, 2009 | 09:57 AM

maldbwmjr

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Did the check engine light ever come on? Regardless, if you don't have/can't borrow a DTC reader, take it to an Autozone where they'll do it for free. If ypu get a code and Autozone can't tell you what the problem is, come back on the board and we'll figure it out. While you're at Autozone, pick up a can of MAF (Mass Air Flow) cleaner and spray the heck out of it - it doesn't hurt. It could be alot of things, so let's start with the easiest first. Come back and let us know whether or not you still have a problem.

Last edited by maldbwmjr; Mar 16, 2009 at 09:57 AM. Reason: correction

Mar 16, 2009 | 11:38 PM

angel4linda

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Took your advice

****** http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">****** name="ProgId" content="Word.Document">****** name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10">****** name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsoh tml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><style>  </style> My check engine light came on immediately as the problem started. I went by an auto part store and they checked my codes. System 1 lean/ system 2 lean. Told me it was the oxygen sensors. Replaced the up stream and down stream oxygen sensors this evening and still having an idol problem. The only problem it did solve was the check engine light came off. I'm now thinking that it could be the idol control valve. Thanks for all your help.

Mar 17, 2009 | 08:06 AM

cbradford

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From: Lost in Pa.

Sounds like a vac. leak based on the lean codes on both banks, chances of two or more O2 sensors going at one is very slim.

Mar 17, 2009 | 02:28 PM

maldbwmjr

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Quote:

Originally Posted by angel4linda

My check engine light came on immediately as the problem started. I went by an auto part store and they checked my codes. System 1 lean/ system 2 lean. Told me it was the oxygen sensors. Replaced the up stream and down stream oxygen sensors this evening and still having an idol problem. The only problem it did solve was the check engine light came off. I'm now thinking that it could be the idol control valve. Thanks for all your help.

I also thought it was my idle control valve - but before I bought a new one, I decided to 1st spend $5 on MAF cleaner as it certainly wouldn't hurt. Voila! Problem fixed. Check here on how to clean your MAF sensor. They have step-by-step color photos. Very easy to do. Just don't touch the wires.
Clean Your MAF

If that doesn't fix it, then you might have a vacuum leak as cbradford mentioned. A little more involved in detecting. We can walk you through it. Come back and let us know.