High Idle, Not Normal. Any Ideas??

[zeteckat]

I-4 2.0L Cougar.

I have an unusually high idle with the A/C off. When I turn my A/C compressor off it rises to around 1500 rpms. Every now and then it will sit at around 1250 but for the majority of the time, it is at 1500. I checked my throttle body, unplugged the IAC valve and the TPS sensor. No change in rpm whatsoever. Just a CEL when the IAC valve was removed.

What gets me is that it will go to 1000 (Correct RPM) when the AC is turned on. As soon as you turn it off, back up to 1500 is where it goes with a slight flucuation. Anyone have any ideas about this. My zetec has been such a good engine and this is my first problem. It is also a problem because it seems a little harder to start my car now. Possibly a stuck IACV?? I have 110K miles on it. Should I clean the IAC valve. Any hints/tips on how to do it. Thanks for any responses:)

[stevenee]

i had the same problem with mine. I took it to the ford dealership and they said it was a punctered idler vacuum hose. Vacuum leaks usually cause it to idle funny. The part was 37$ installed, and i haven't had a problem since. i'd run to the dealership and get them to check everything under the hood for you, and under the car.

-steve

[zeteckat]

Do you have any idea where that hose is located? I can't afford to bring it to a dealership as of now. I would definitely like to check it myself though. Thanks

[stevenee]

ok- if you put your car up on ramps, its the foremost hose at the front of the engine. Kinda hard to explain. Its a short hose, maybe about 8-10 inches in length, and pretty skinny...not a fat hose. Its right before you get to the exhaust manifold, not too hard to find...there aren't too many hoses on the underside of the car. I'd take pics if i could, but its blastid cold outside.

-steve

[zeteckat]

Thank you for explaining. I will go and check it out this afternoon. I really do appreciate your help.

[zeteckat]

Ok, I'm going to try and get to this today or tommorrow. My idle sucks ! Anyway, Is it right close to the header? Is it the only hose down there? If you could give some more details that would be awesome. I have a feeling this could fix my idle since everything else I've tried hasn't worked.

If you can get out to take a picture in the cold, I'll mail you a packet of Swiss Miss hot chocolate. That stuff rocks the boat. Okay dude, later.