how do i fix the idle dropping too low?

5

Asked by Steven4Real Feb 17, 2018 at 06:05 PM about the 1999 Ford Focus

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

so i own a 1999 Zetec 1.6v Ford Focus hatchback 5door

but it had a low idle issue wich i have mostly resolved by remove the idle
control valve & the Gas valve housing or whatever you call it and cleaned
that.

the only issue now is that when the engine is warm and you have recently
accelerated the car drops too low in idle making the lights flicker when it
drops too low. but if you keep it in idle for longer it will cool off again and start
running better but my main issue is the lights flicker or anything else
electronic related like if i need my lichts my heater & my wipers when i come
to a stop the idle gets so bad that the wipers lets say barely move and it
feels like the car is about to shut off.. ive cleaned the idle control valve and
the throttle body aswel with carb cleaner/throttlebody cleaner. also added
new small air hoses that were about to go bad. so those things cant be the
issue i added a slightly stronger battery but that also did not solve the issue.
it seems that the engine drops too low and can not give enough power to
electronic devices. HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME!

5 Answers

865

even after cleaning the idle air control valve....it is still quite possible that it is bad. causing an erratic idle and low rpm idle....hence low voltage at an idle

5

so the idle control valve could still be the problem? it still idles fine in any other way but its litterally just when the engine is warm

865

yes it is still a possibility.....is or was check engine light on? either way go to local parts store (autozone) and see if any codes come up or any codes are stored...

5

no codes come up since ive checked it already. engine light does not go on. it seems to be perfectly fine it just idle's too low when the engine is warmed up causing minor shaking and light flicker

Your Answer:

Focus

Looking for a Used Focus in your area?

CarGurus has 529 nationwide Focus listings starting at $2,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Savoy_1800
    Reputation
    3,260
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    2,570
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,370
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Fiesta
7 Great Deals out of 177 listings starting at $4,300
Used Honda Civic
170 Great Deals out of 4,071 listings starting at $440
Used Ford Mustang
57 Great Deals out of 1,668 listings starting at $5,977
Used Toyota Corolla
158 Great Deals out of 2,295 listings starting at $3,495
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 1,161 listings starting at $4,594
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 998 listings starting at $2,995
Used Hyundai Elantra
160 Great Deals out of 3,019 listings starting at $1,995
Used Ford F-150
346 Great Deals out of 13,355 listings starting at $3,000
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
17 Great Deals out of 544 listings starting at $1,704
Used BMW 3 Series
72 Great Deals out of 1,222 listings starting at $2,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.