If the vehicle’s engine is idling well above 1,000 RPMs, it’s probably too high. Vacuum leaks can also cause a high idle.

If the idle is low and inconsistent, it may be due to an issue with your idle control valve. Low idles could also be caused by vacuum leaks.

Remove a vacuum line and connect it to a vacuum gauge to measure the level and consistency of the vacuum. You can also try spraying a soap and water mixture on the lines to look for bubbling at the point of a leak.

The check engine light looks like a simple drawing of an engine. A check engine light in conjunction with idle issues can be indicative of a faulty idle control valve.

In some code scanners, it will provide the English description of the error code on the read out. If your code scanner does not, you will need to look up the code the scanner shows you to find out what it is.

You may need to let the engine run for a few minutes in order for it to come down to its normal idle speed. Keep the paper you write the RPMs on handy so you can compare it to the engine’s idle as you continue the test.

The way to disconnect your Idle Control Motor will vary from application to application; refer to your vehicle’s service manual for more specific instruction as to how to disconnect it. You can usually disconnect the idle control motor by unplugging the wiring clip going into it.

Be sure to tuck the wiring you disconnected up in the engine bay so it doesn’t get caught in any moving parts.

If the idle control motor was working, disconnecting it should have created a difference in the engine’s idle. This test confirms there’s an issue with the idle control motor, but not what the issue may be.

The idle should go back to what it was when the idle control motor was last connected. Refer to the note you took about idle RPMs to compare it to your first reading.

If the test light doesn’t flash on each circuit, the issue is coming from the ECU, not the idle control motor. If the test light flashes properly, it means the idle control motor needs to be replaced.

Fords are designed to operate with the resistance in the solenoid in a range between 7. 0 to 13. 0 ohms. If the resistance is outside that range, the idle control motor needs to be replaced.

You can purchase a bidirectional scan tool at your local auto parts store. Make sure the wiring harness is firmly connected to the idle control motor before conducting this test.