car idling really high

[MTK]

On my way to work this morning my engine was idling really high. So high it was hard to stop, the car would keep lurching foward in between brake pumps. Is this something I can fix myself?? I've got to take care of it pretty quick because it's not fun driving in traffic when you can't stop!

[TheMalcolmConnection]

You might just need your idle control unit readjusted. I'd defer to cpayne (I think he's the mechanic) on this one.

[cpayne5]

Did you turn it off and turn it back on and have it still idle fast? Your idle is controlled by your ECU. It could be that you have a bad sensor somewhere that's handing your ECU a faulty reading, thus causing the fast idle, but it might be a screwy ECU bug.

The ECU *learns* how to idle, so if it idles fast after a restart, you might want to try disconnecting the battery for 10-20 minutes. This will reset the ECU (to factory/ default settings). If its still under warranty, I'd just take it back to Ford and let them deal w/ it.

Since you get such a good deal on Ford prods from your brother, it may be advisable to also get an extended warranty with a portion of the money you save.

[cpayne5]

Also, does the engine speed level off at a certain RPM every time, or does it keep increasing or does it vary?

[MTK]

It does level off but at a high level. It kicks up really high and comes down slowly.

When I got to work I restarted it and it went right back up to a high idle.

It's still under warranty so I think I'm going to take it to a dealer today on my lunch break.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by cpayne5

Did you turn it off and turn it back on and have it still idle fast? Your idle is controlled by your ECU. It could be that you have a bad sensor somewhere that's handing your ECU a faulty reading, thus causing the fast idle, but it might be a screwy ECU bug.

The ECU *learns* how to idle, so if it idles fast after a restart, you might want to try disconnecting the battery for 10-20 minutes. This will reset the ECU (to factory/ default settings). If its still under warranty, I'd just take it back to Ford and let them deal w/ it.

Since you get such a good deal on Ford prods from your brother, it may be advisable to also get an extended warranty with a portion of the money you save.

I use to sell extended warranties and they can be a hit or miss. They are very limited and seem to run out when you need them most. If you do purchase an extended warranty they do have room on the price so shop around and haggle on the price.

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by cpayne5

Did you turn it off and turn it back on and have it still idle fast? Your idle is controlled by your ECU. It could be that you have a bad sensor somewhere that's handing your ECU a faulty reading, thus causing the fast idle, but it might be a screwy ECU bug.

The ECU *learns* how to idle, so if it idles fast after a restart, you might want to try disconnecting the battery for 10-20 minutes. This will reset the ECU (to factory/ default settings). If its still under warranty, I'd just take it back to Ford and let them deal w/ it.

Since you get such a good deal on Ford prods from your brother, it may be advisable to also get an extended warranty with a portion of the money you save.

Cpayne you seem to know alot about autos do you know much about ac systems. Mine blows cold at idle but blows warm when I'm driving. I have to run on max AC fro it to blow any cold air. I had it looked at and at first they said I had a vacume leak then they said my compressor was weak. I thought that was weard because of how it blows cold at idle. I don't mind paying to have it replaced but I would hate to spend $800.00 and that not be problem. Thank for any info. Its a 1998 ford Explorer

[MTK]

Well, I had the car towed to the dealership under my roadside assistance. My brother thinks it's a sensor acting up like you suggested cpayne.

[cpayne5]

Originally Posted by firstdown

Cpayne you seem to know alot about autos do you know much about ac systems. Mine blows cold at idle but blows warm when I'm driving. I have to run on max AC fro it to blow any cold air. I had it looked at and at first they said I had a vacume leak then they said my compressor was weak. I thought that was weard because of how it blows cold at idle. I don't mind paying to have it replaced but I would hate to spend $800.00 and that not be problem. Thank for any info. Its a 1998 ford Explorer

Yeah, its either of the two problems you've been advised of. If you sit there, idling, w/ the a/c on and then give it some gas and hear a noise in the dash, its a vacuum leak.

Also, if you're worried about losing money by not having the problem fixed, you could take it to the dealer and they should have better luck diagnosing and fixing a problem and then standing by their work.

Extended warranties are hit or miss, but there are good ones out there. The key is to find one that is done through the manufacturer. You're right about haggling on the price too. A dealer posted prices for extended warranties on another board for Toyota 4Runners. The most expensive one was 7yr / 100k mi for $825. That same warranty was $2000+ at the dealer when I bought my 4Runner 2 months ago.