I have a 2006 Escape that’s been idling rough lately. It’s especially bad when the engine is cold, and when the car is stopped and in drive. But when I put it in neutral, it smooths out a bit. It gets a little better once the engine warms up. I already replaced the plugs and coil boots. I’m worried it could be a transmission issue. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?
Have you checked the engine mounts? They can sometimes cause this type of rough idle.
Arden said:
Have you checked the engine mounts? They can sometimes cause this type of rough idle.
Had to change mine out around 90,000 miles. It helped a lot.
Arden said:
Have you checked the engine mounts? They can sometimes cause this type of rough idle.
Had to change mine out around 90,000 miles. It helped a lot.
I’ve got an 08 Escape doing the same thing. What was the cost to replace the engine mounts?
@Paz
I don’t remember exactly. I did it myself and it was pretty easy.
When was the last time you changed the transmission fluid?
Jai said:
When was the last time you changed the transmission fluid?
I’ve only had it for a couple of months, so I’m not sure.
Jai said:
When was the last time you changed the transmission fluid?
I’ve only had it for a couple of months, so I’m not sure.
I’d suggest changing it. Your transmission might be having trouble due to sticky fluid.
@Jai
Could dirty fluid cause any weird noises, too?
Cruz said:
@Jai
Could dirty fluid cause any weird noises, too?
Yeah, light noises. But if it’s more of a deep thunking or cranking, it’s probably something else.
Cruz said:
@Jai
Could dirty fluid cause any weird noises, too?
Yeah, light noises. But if it’s more of a deep thunking or cranking, it’s probably something else.
It doesn’t make a thunking noise. It’s more of a hum when I first accelerate. At first, I thought it was the exhaust, but it doesn’t make the noise when I’m stationary and rev it, so I ruled that out.
@Cruz
Yeah, sounds like it could just be the fluid. You might want to get it flushed out too; it’s not too expensive compared to other possible issues.
Jai said:
@Cruz
Yeah, sounds like it could just be the fluid. You might want to get it flushed out too; it’s not too expensive compared to other possible issues.
I’m hoping it’s just the fluid. I’ll update once I get it to the shop.
Had a similar issue with a 2004 Escape. It idled rough when cold and then smoothed out as it warmed up. Turned out the lower intake manifold gaskets were bad. They’re pretty cheap and not too hard to replace if you’re okay with working on cars.
@Whitney
Did you notice any oil leaking from there?
Check your vacuum lines. They might be leaking, causing the rough idle.
Rafe said:
Check your vacuum lines. They might be leaking, causing the rough idle.
How would I go about checking those?
Rafe said:
Check your vacuum lines. They might be leaking, causing the rough idle.
How would I go about checking those?
I’d recommend doing a general inspection of all the vacuum lines under the hood. Make sure they’re plugged in properly and in decent shape. You can try pinching a line and see if the rough idle gets better. Pinching it will basically seal off any leak. Good luck! 