Adjusting the Idle Speed
Here's a procedure that I came across on the Internet that describes how to adjust the idle speed on a Ford 2.3L computer controlled engine. It didn't work for my 1992 2.3L but may work for other years:
NOTE: Engine should be at normal operating temperature before performing this procedure!
- Turn off all accessories and disconnect the battery for 5 minutes.
- Reconnect battery. Disconnect the Idle Speed Control (ISC) solenoid located just behind the throttle body on the drivers side of the upper intake plenum.
- With the truck in NEUTRAL, run the engine at 2500 rpm for 30 seconds.
- Let the engine idle for 2 minutes.
- Put the truck in PARK (or NEUTRAL if manual trans.) and adjust the idle speed stop screw until the idle is at 700rpm.
- Turn engine off and let sit for 2 minutes then repeat steps 1-5 once.
- Disconnect battery for 5 minutes then reconnect.
- Reconnect the Idle Speed Control (ISC) solenoid.
- Run the engine at idle for 2 minutes.
- Quickly depress the accelerator pedal to the floor and release it immediately, allowing the engine to return to idle.
- Lightly depress and release the accelerator allowing the engine to return to idle.
After carefully following the above steps, the engine should now have reset its base idle to factory specifications. The idle should now be smooth and at approximately 700rpm at operating temperature. If this procedure does not correct the fast idle condition, carefully check for vacuum leaks at the throttle body flange gasket and at the intake snorkel to throttle body interface. If no vacuum leaks are detected and the condition still exists, a condition that is unrelated to the mechanical throttle body assembly exists and must be diagnosed and repaired.
If you know who the original author is of the above procedure, please email me so I can give proper credit or redirect this webpage to his
Tips and Tricks
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