So... I'll admit I know very little about cars in general. On the other hand, I'm a bright person, so it's more of an issue of lack of knowledge rather than inability to understand. So getting to the point, I have an '01 automatic 4dr Focus SE. Over the last month or so it has occasionally had trouble starting up. But if i rev the gas for a few seconds it usually starts up. I've not found any rhyme or reason to when/why this happens. The other day my luck ran out and it'll start as long as i keep my foot on the gas. as soon as i let off it dies. I have a fairly new battery and considering the way it started out i don't think it's that simple. does this sound like my alternator has gone out? if so, i've heard this is fairly inexpensive and simple to replace independently. Is that the case?

 

TRY A FUEL FILTER,IT WORKED ON MINE WHEN I WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM

 

If you hold your foot on the gas and it stays running then I would suspect the IAC (Idle Air Control) Valve is bad. Replace it and you will see.

 

Where is the Idle control vlave located on a 2000 Focus?

Any help would be appreciated

 

IAC valves are located on the throttle body... Up high near the throttle plate area..

Here's a few pics of the valve, and location.. This is for a SPI engine.. Ztec similar..

[IMG]local://upfiles/6756/F90372C81D3C44488609F06F23A0B57D.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/6756/10B9DC2305DD40F983920A64FFE50097.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/6756/4024AAE7C0624D85BC0DAF32E1128439.jpg[/IMG]

 

Not to sound stupid based on the picture it is located on the actual throttle body and not under or near the actual air filter or air filter box. Do you know if there is a web site with a bigger picture of this for the Focus

Thanks for the reply.

 

Check for vacum leaks around the throttle body also, I have seen them cracked there and will cause a problem with idle. Might also do throttle body cleaning while your in there.