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[alexw80]

Sorry if it's a silly one, but just wanted to check.
I've done the paper clip trick on my P reg 2ltr cdx as described in another thread. As soon as I turn the key onto the electrics the engine light flickers briefly then goes out, but comes back on again as soon as I remove the paper clip. I'm assuming this is normal and the fact the light stays off until I remove the clip means there are no stored error codes?

[feeutfo]

I believe so. However most of my experience is with later cars, so see what others say.

Was there an issue that made you look though...?

[alexw80]

I replaced the 2 breather pipes, cleaned out the IACV and breather jet, replaced the throttle body gasket and IACV gasket. But she idle hunts now. Bouncing between 1k and 2k on the rev gauge. Was hoping a sensor or something would have thrown up a code so I knew what was causing it.

[Andy H]

How did you clean the idle control valve? The symptoms are those of a sticking IACV.

When I cleaned mine I just squirted lots of carburetor cleaner into it. I have read that the internals a fragile and don't like being poked with a screwdriver.

[alexw80]

Carb cleaner and cotton buds. Is there any way to check to see if it's the IACV?

[Andy H]

Sorry, I didn't comment on your initial query.

Paperclip test: I thought that all cars that responded to the paperclip would flash 1-2 repeatedly if there were no errors (or 1-2 three times followed by the error codes) paperclip test and pedal trick

As to testing the IACV I think everything can be tested using Tech II. You just need to get yourself to someone with Tech II.

Where are you? Update your profile with your location and you will probably get offers of help or directions to the nearest Tech II expert.
[edit]The guide to the paperclip test does say that later 2.0l ecu's use a 4 digit code and don't bother with the 1-2[/edit]

[alexw80]

Thought I'd already added location, done now lol

So I'm guessing a P reg would be classed as a later 2.0 then?

[RobG]

I replaced the 2 breather pipes, cleaned out the IACV and breather jet, replaced the throttle body gasket and IACV gasket. But she idle hunts now. Bouncing between 1k and 2k on the rev gauge. Was hoping a sensor or something would have thrown up a code so I knew what was causing it.

Air leak

[Andy H]

I replaced the 2 breather pipes, cleaned out the IACV and breather jet, replaced the throttle body gasket and IACV gasket. But she idle hunts now. Bouncing between 1k and 2k on the rev gauge. Was hoping a sensor or something would have thrown up a code so I knew what was causing it.

Air leak

Did it do it before you had it apart?

If it didn't then it is 99.9% certain that it is caused by something you did.

Are there any other symptoms?

I have never had an issue with an IACV but I have caused faults by forgetting to reconnect electrical connectors 

[alexw80]

Yes, perhaps not as much, but then I never let it tick over to find out before. That's why I stripped it all off to clean it. Fast running and very poor idling. I've noticed it running a little warm since it started idling rough, assumed that was probably due to me fighting the engine to slow down lol

It seemed to run a little rough when I first started it up after the clean out, but didn't hunt. Once it got warm it really started though

[Andy H]

Yes, perhaps not as much, but then I never let it tick over to find out before. That's why I stripped it all off to clean it. Fast running and very poor idling. I've noticed it running a little warm since it started idling rough, assumed that was probably due to me fighting the engine to slow down lol

It seemed to run a little rough when I first started it up after the clean out, but didn't hunt. Once it got warm it really started though

That does sound more like an air leak.

Does it drive OK otherwise? An air leak would result in the engine getting more air than the ECU intended (or was being measured by the MAF) which would make it idle fast and lean (which probably wouldn't be noticeable during warm up). It probably wouldn't affect normal driving.

I suppose a faulty MAF could confuse the ECU but I think that would probably upset normal driving too.

[alexw80]

The actual driving is quite smooth. It's only when I start to slow down I find it's running fast. The change down can happen with a bit of a thud sometimes as it's running faster than it should be for the change.

[Shelby]

Won't comment on the idling as I don't know, but as a reference (mine is v reg 2.0 CDX / X20XEV engine), when I did the paperclip test I got exactly the same as you, i.e. light went out shortly after putting ignition on then just stayed out.

I have had it on a tech2 since then and have been told there are no error codes showing.

[Andy H]

I suppose you have already read these guides

How To Clean Your 2.0L IACV and Breather Jet

Cleaning the throttle valve assembly Omega 2.0 16V

Cleaning X20XEV Idle Control Valve

[MutantCav]

My Focus has an air leak...I know where roughly just cant be bothered to get round to sorting it as its getting 40mpg anyway...but the symptoms are the same...its over revving when you take your foot off the accelerator, doesnt drop revvs the way it should as quikly as it should...I would look for an air leak...