Hiya chaps, I'm new to the forum

I've just bought a 97/P 1.6 16v Zetec Escort.

It has an idling problem though - it idles between 900 and 1100, and sometimes it revs itself between the two. A few times now, it has just stalled itself for no reason - usually when I have the clutch depressed or I'm sat out of gear with the engine on.

I've heard a couple of different things - I hear the timing belt may need tightening, and I've heard it may be an ECU problem in which case I should reset the ECU by disconnecting the battery.

I'm a complete car newbie to be honest - I'm 18 and I've been driving just under a year, and I was driving an old 1.2 Clio. So, basically, I have no idea how to do anything

Does anybody know what the problem is? If it is the ECU reset required, could you run me through it?

Cheers in advance,
Dunc.

 

the idle speed control valve is VERY prone to failure on zetecs - basically it get all gummed up with oil and much inside and stops working - you have try and clean it with carb cleaner or fit a new one. is is uderneath the inlet manifold, is small and round like C size battery and has a multiplug with 2 wires connected to it, usually on the left hand side of the inlet manifold , right near the main throttle butterfly.

 

Cheers very much mate

 

Hmm Dave.

My mobile mechanic (ex foreman at Pattinson Ford) cleaned the idle control valve and did an ECU reset.. and it's STILL doing it.

Any ideas?

It only seems to be when the engine is damp or cold - as soon as it's warm it starts idling reasonably.

 

find out the last time it had a oil change. zetec need the rite oil in them if the worng oil has bin put in can cause it too run rough. and if the oil get too dirty aswell it runs rough and can cut out you need 5w-30w oil and a filter. if that dnt work try a new idle control valve if that dnt work you need to start looking at other things like blocked cat or engine manangement problems ecu etc. hope that has helped

 

Aye mate I've changed the oil, got the 5w30 in. I've changed the oil filter too. I've also changed the ISCV. The ICSV got rid of the horrible idling problems, but the cutting out is still there when it's cold :/ I've also done numerous proper ECU resets.

I haven't changed the fuel filter, and I haven't really looked at anything else.

Any other ideas mate? Cheers btw

 

The cutting out when cold could coolant temp sensor as that controls the fueling eg tells the ecu weather it's hot or cold so it knows what fuel/air ratio to put in the engine. But your best bet is to get in pluged in to what you call WDS which plugs into your car and reads your ECU for fault codes.

 

Aye I did a diagnostics check at the main Ford dealership in Newcastle.. n it only came up with ICSV error and some breather error, both of which they fixed/replaced.

They said that they couldn't replicate the problem though. It's impossible for me to make the car cut out in their garage because by the time I get there, the engine has warmed up and it won't cut out, it runs fine..

Gah!

Dunno what to do :/

 

you might have too leave your car with them over nite so it will do it on them.

 

Aye maybe :/ What a pita

 

my mates stalls when cold.gets to corner and it dies,takes ages to start then is good as gold.been onto ford technical and they reckon it could be a sticky valve

 

That's pretty much exactly what mine's like :/