Questions and Answers

Ford Tempo High Idle Problem Q. I have a problem with my 1985 Ford Tempo GL. It has the standard 4 cylinder fuel injected throttle body engine and automatic transmission. It has only 47,000 miles on it. This past summer I was driving it and it was low on gas. I thought it ran out of gas, but adding gas didn't help. I turned the ignition on and didn't hear the fuel pump so I figured it was bad.

So I dropped the tank and replaced the pump. Now is runs but it idles much too fast, about 3,000 rpm. After it idles a few minutes it will slowly go down to about 2,000 rpm but if you give it gas it goes back up again when you let off.

I thought the computer just needed to be accustomed to it so I disconnected the battery for a while then reconnected it and cycled the starting by starting and shutting it off several times. Nothing helps. All I did was replace the fuel pump. My son drove it to work but it didn't change. Got any ideas?

A. I'm going to assume you drove it the 10 to 15 miles it takes the computer to learn the operating values.

Connecting the hoses incorrectly when replacing the fuel tank could cause this problem. So that would be the first thing I would check. If that's okay, go to your local Ford dealer and ask them for a copy of Technical Service Bulletin 87-19-7 dated 5/17/1989. That TSB contains the detailed procedure for diagnosing a high idle problem.

Of course you should check for vacuum leaks and loose or corroded electrical connectors first.