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2001 How to adjust idle?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Black GT
  • Start date Start date Nov 16, 2018
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Black GT

Active Member
Sep 8, 2018
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Jacksonville, Florida
Nov 16, 2018
#1
  • Nov 16, 2018
  • #1
I installed a new motorcraft IAC valve on my 2001 today. The car idles a lot smoother now and the humming noise is gone but the car idles at 900-1000 rpm's. I opened the hood and found a adjusting screw but there is no way to turn it. It is just the threaded part of a screw with no head on it. Like a threaded rod. How do you adjust it?
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
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Houston Texas
Nov 17, 2018
#2
  • Nov 17, 2018
  • #2
In general it's a bad idea to attempt to "adjust" the idle speed by altering the idle stop screw. Here's some more information on how the idle control works.

Troubleshoot IAC idle problems 1996-2004
https://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/resources/troubleshoot-iac-idle-problems-1996-2004.13/
 
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Black GT

Active Member
Sep 8, 2018
148
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Jacksonville, Florida
Nov 18, 2018
#3
  • Nov 18, 2018
  • #3
Awesome, This gives me lots of things to check. Thanks. I was reading a old post where someone said after replacing the IAC the PCM has to relearn the idle. They gave a long procedure for the relearn. Every since last night when I took the car for a drive it has been for the most idling where it should at 700 RPM's. As soon as I come to a stop it will idle at 900 and after a second drop to 700. Could it be that the car is learning it has a new IAC and repairing itself? I know that sounds dumb, but have to ask. Thanks
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Nov 19, 2018
#4
  • Nov 19, 2018
  • #4
Black GT said:
As soon as I come to a stop it will idle at 900 and after a second drop to 700. Could it be that the car is learning it has a new IAC and repairing itself?
Click to expand...
^^^This is exactly how it's programmed to act. Why? Because the higher idle is needed to make the hydro-boost work. How it acts will be different depending on IF the car is moving or not. The idle will be higher as long as the car is moving. The idle is programmed to drop to slow idle once the car has stopped.
 
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B

Black GT

Active Member
Sep 8, 2018
148
9
28
Jacksonville, Florida
Nov 19, 2018
#5
  • Nov 19, 2018
  • #5
wmburns said:
^^^This is exactly how it's programmed to act. Why? Because the higher idle is needed to make the hydro-boost work. How it acts will be different depending on IF the car is moving or not. The idle will be higher as long as the car is moving. The idle is programmed to drop to slow idle once the car has stopped.
Click to expand...
Awesome, Thanks for the info. I am loving the way my car is driving now with the new IAC valve. Its a lot more fun to drive. No more idle rising to 2000 rpm when I come to a stop, no more howling and no more idle drop to 400 rpm and almost stalling. Well worth the $108. for the new motorcraft IAC.
 

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