Ford KA trouble. advise needed please

[gillian0808]

Hi I have an older (R reg) Ford KA2.
It has been "idling" oddly so using advise from this forum my Husband has tried cleaning, then replacing, the Idle Control valve but this has not cured it. In fact I thinks its slightly worse as today it did actually stall.

Someone at work has suggested that it may be a sensor (lambda?).
Any one else come across this problem and any thoughts on what action to take next?
We are reluctant to involve a garage unless we need to for financial reasons.
many, many thanks if anyone can help.
Regrds
Gillian

[Pew Pew Pew Lasers!]

Is the idle hunting around? If so, possibly an air leak on the intake.

[gillian0808]

Hi Pew,
I'm not really sure what you term "hunting" is? The idle just occasionally revs a little then slows down to where it just might stall........then pick up to normal speed.

The part that we used was second hand but was from my Nephews car that he is just about to scrap so was definitely a working part.

can you shed any more light on it?

Kind regards
gillian

[Keith]

Clean the ICV again and check he's fastened it to the block correctly

[gillian0808]

Thanks Keith.
We will give it another go.
Cheers G

[Pew Pew Pew Lasers!]

Hi Pew,
I'm not really sure what you term "hunting" is? The idle just occasionally revs a little then slows down to where it just might stall........then pick up to normal speed.

The part that we used was second hand but was from my Nephews car that he is just about to scrap so was definitely a working part.

can you shed any more light on it?

Kind regards
gillian

Hunting is where the idle speed is constantly 'hunting' for the correct speed. Basically going up and down and up and down, never settling on the correct idle speed.

[gillian0808]

Thanks Pew,
Then no, its not really doing this as it is very intermittent.
For example today on my 6 mile journey 2 work it only occurred twice, both times at junctions.
The power whilst moving feels as normal but I do think I am using more fuel so despite any cost involved i know I do need to get it sorted. But of course I am very wary of having the wool pulled over my eyes by a garage as this has happened before.

Thanks for any advise you can give
G

[BYALPHAINDIA]

Hi Gillian,

I know about some types of Fords.

If the car is Idling up and down on the Rev counter, Then it could be down to a few 'minor' problems?

I would check the Airfilter to see if there is any dirt clogging the intake.

If the Airfilter is worn and or dirty, Then you can run the car without one in my experience with Fords.

It may be a blocked Fuel Filter with dirt clogging the fuel to the engine etc?

It may at even be the sensor if it has one? some types of fords don't have engine sensors fitted.

Obviosly the car was built in 1997 so it 'May' not be economical to keep it running?

They always say that when a car starts showing it's age then sadly it is time for it to be retired!!

I had a nice looking maroon Sierra many years ago, But sadly the car was 'Awash' with problems, The Cylinder Head blew twice in 2 months.

And then one sunny day the car let us down twice in one day, So we had to replace it...hum!!

Fords are notorious for Idling, Clutch and starting problems, And the obvious fragile bodywork that they make them in!!

I am a Volvo man now, And I don't think I will own another Ford.

When you look at the workmanship on a Volvo then you appreciate what effort the 'Swedes' put into the car.

235,000 miles and she is still working.

If you cannot fix the car then you could 'Drop on' another similar example.

Best Of Luck.

[gillian0808]

Hi ALPHAINDIA (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/member.html?u=505411)

Thanks for the advise we will check it out at the weekend
G

[goldspanners]

If the Airfilter is worn and or dirty, Then you can run the car without one in my experience with Fords.





only do this to see if it makes any difference, dont actually run the car without an air filter, your just asking for more trouble if you do.

[anewman]

If with the engine running you spray a little bit of carb cleaner around the intake manifold/intake, if there is an air leak, the engine should take in the carb cleaner and the revs will noticeably change.

While you have the can of carb cleaner to hand, for that matter, I would get the top of the airfilter box off and clean the throttle body (hopefully it's under there somewhere).

How long since the spark plugs have been changed? Sounds like you may have neglected servicing and this may be the cause.

[Lady S]

I had this problem, and it was that valve you spoke about earlier.

Rather than buying a new one I used to remove it every so often and clean it with WD40, then secured it back correctly and all was shiny and working again.