Idle speed too low - Focus Mk2

[duncscz]

Hi,

I recently 'upgraded' our trusty year 2000 Focus Estate 1.6 Auto for a newer model .. a 58 plate 1.6 Petrol Auto Estate. Whilst the new car is indeed a more pleasurable drive, I do find it less 'sporty' than the old one .. but as I use it for running about town, I'm happy to accept the improved fuel economy over acceleration.

The only niggle I have is that the car 'vibrates' when idling/stationary. I can feel this through the steering wheel, which is annoying.

Problem is that, as far as I can tell, it is not possible to adjust the idle speed ... everything is now in the hands of the engine management system (EMS) .. but I'm convinced just a small increase would sort things out, as when I switch on the airco, (fine for now), the expected increase in RPM (though hardly measurable on the rev counter) sorts out the vibration problem.

I believe the idle speed is set by the EMS based on inputs from various sensors.

Does anyone know which sensors exactly ? .. so I can check they are okay .. or have any other ideas of things I can check (perhaps the butterfly valve ??) which may be causing the idle speed to be slightly too low ?

TIA

[jas xjr]

I would whip the plugs out and have a look at them before I did anything else

[duncscz]

Fair point ... had a look at the plugs .. all similar, if a little sooty perhaps ?



What was your thinking ?

I have a simple diagnostics I can connect ... but I'm not expecting any error readings, as such.

[Camaro]

I have a 2008 1.8 Zetec and ever since I've owned it, I've always thought the idle on mine was up the creek, but after taking it back under warranty they say they all do it. It's something to do with the emissions that the car is borderline on stalling at idle with it occasionally seeming to miss fire. My sister has exactly the same model just a year younger and hers does the same too.

[duncscz]

Interesting ... I had a mate who's a mechanic of mine 'feel' the vibration and he said it was also 'normal' ... ie. the 'just put up with it, approach'

Withe my diagnostics attached, I can see that the engine is constantly adjusting things .. I assume to achieve the lowest emissions possible ... so maybe your garage comments make sense.

I've also had a comment that the quality/supplier of the engine rubber torque mount can have an effect ?? I guess if the rubber is 'too' hard, it can transmit more of the engine vibration into the cabin ?

I assume mine is still the original Ford part .. so again, the vibrations may well be 'normal' !

[The_Burg]

Plug leads?
Mk2 Focus 1.6 has an issue with plug wells filling with water.
Mine started a miss fire and lumpy idle.
Plugs were brown on outside and leads rust stained, new plugs and leads and all is well.
Terrible gutless thing though. Mk1 1.6 was hugely better.