Cures for Idling Probs and Much More

[Gti Iceman]

Dear all you guys, gals, that have got problems, check this out, it may help you.

 

The Top Common problems with the Ford Escort / Orion

 

High idle.

This affects all 1.6 and 1.8 Zetec and Zetec E engines and gives an idle of 2000 rpm. This is extremely expensive to cure and should only be attempted if all other possible causes have been investigated. The repair involves replacing the PCM, Heated Exhaust Gas Sensor (HEGO), the PCV valve and hose and the ISCV. I would recommend this is referred to your main dealer as the PATS system needs to be initialized. Before committing to this repair ensure the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is working correctly, the Vehicle Speed Sensor is working Correctly and the ISCV is not sticking. The PCV valve situated to the right of the exhaust manifold should be replaced as a matter of course.

 

Erratic idle Zetec engines

The PCV valve situated to the right of the exhaust manifold should be replaced as a matter of course and is quite often the cause of hunting and erratic idle.

 

 

Poor cold running and loss of power.

Sticking valves is a very common fault with the Zetec engine and can exhibit a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms can range from a severe loss of power to poor running when cold and cutting out at junctions. The easiest way to confirm this fault is to connect a vacuum gauge to the engine and check for a low vacuum and / or a fluctuating vacuum. The repair comprises replacing the exhaust tappets, exhaust valve stem oil seals, the oil pressure relief valve in the cylinder head, changing the oil to 5W30 and the oil pump relief valve. It is possible to confirm this fault by running a liquid decoke through the engine. This only removes the symptom on a temporary basis.

 

 

Gear changing difficulty and crunching noise when changing from 2nd to 3rd gear and from 4th to 3rd gear, or 3rd gear cannot be engaged while driving.

If a vehicle exhibits the above symptoms and is fitted with an MTX 75 gearbox the cause may be a defective 3rd/4th gear synchronizer assembly. To rectify the concern, a new synchronizer assembly, new 3rd gear and a new 3rd/4th gear selector fork should be installed. (The MTX 75 gear box has the reverse gate lever on the gear stick)

 

 

Engine has a poor idle or stalls.

This can be caused by water entering the HEGO connector via the wiring loom at the bulkhead cover (where the loom branches into the engine compartment, adjacent to the battery). This should be resolved by sealing the affected part of the loom with electrical insulating tape. The affected terminals should also be cleaned, dried and greased. It may be necessary to replace the HEGO sensor.

 

 

High Idle on Diesels.

This can be caused by a broken idle lever return spring on the diesel injection pump. This spring is attached to the idle lever and is on the side of the pump nearest the radiator. This is very easy to change and parts are now available from your Ford parts department.

 

 

Damp musty smell from air conditioning.

This is caused by a build up of bacteria on the A/C evaporator inside the car a de-odorizing agent is available which needs to be sprayed onto the evaporator, this can only be done using the appropriate equipment. Another method, in mild cases, is to ensure that the A/C is switched off just prior to the end of a journey enabling the evaporator to dry thoroughly eliminating the moisture build up where the bacteria grows.

 

 

Escort '95 with 1,6 / 1,8 Zetec engine and iB5 manual transmission, built from 08/95 to 01/99A modified clutch is available to cure this problem.

 

 

Rear wiper / heated rear screen inop.

This can be caused by one of two problems firstly check if the tailgate contact pins and plates are correctly aligned and adjust as necessary and secondly the tailgate may not be a good earth. A quick fix is to tap the tailgate hinge pins from side to side with a hammer or install a new earth lead. To do this correctly, remove the tailgate trim and run a wire from the O/S rear lamp earth up the "C" pillar through the rubber conduit between the tailgate and the roof of the car and secure it to the rear wiper earth point and reassemble the car.

 

 

Loud crack from front when moving from lock to lock.

This can be caused by the front wheel bearing moving in the hub assemblies. The only cure is to replace the wheel bearings ensuring that the outer casing of the wheel bearing is coated with engine oil or assembly compound by fitment. This job does require specialist tools and a hydraulic press.

 

 

 

All 1.8 Diesel oil light flickering

 

Should a 1.8 diesel engine oil flicker when hot and on idle the problem could be due to wear in the oil pump. A revised oil pump is available and should be change along with the oil pressure light switch. The revised pump and pressure switch are designed to be used with 5W30 oil.

 

Cheers

 

GTi Iceman

[Longy]

Some good information there.

 

Maybe get this thread pinned?

[Mk6 Si Ross]

Some good information there.

 

Maybe get this thread pinned?

i`m happy to but most people seem to have a problem with pinned threads!!!!