Maverick XL High Idle At Startup?

[Long Time Ford Guy]

Is it normal for my Maverick XL base model, 2.0 L EcoBoost Turbo gas 4 cyl engine to idle a bit high at startup for about a solid minute or two, then drop down to low idle on its own after the engine warms up? In warm weather? I don't drive off until the engine idle lowers. Is this normal engine behavior at startup?

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[Meeka]

Is it normal for my Maverick XL base model, 2.0 L EcoBoost Turbo gas 4 cyl engine to idle a bit high at startup for about a solid minute or two, then drop down to low idle on its own after the engine warms up? In warm weather? I don't drive off until the engine idle lowers. Is this normal engine behavior at startup?

My 24 XLT 2.0 Eco has done this since new, yes normal.

 

[Long Time Ford Guy]

My 24 XLT 2.0 Eco has done this since new, yes normal.

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to answer.

 

[Chops]

Is it normal for my Maverick XL base model, 2.0 L EcoBoost Turbo gas 4 cyl engine to idle a bit high at startup for about a solid minute or two, then drop down to low idle on its own after the engine warms up? In warm weather? I don't drive off until the engine idle lowers. Is this normal engine behavior at startup?

Not sure what kind of engine temp gauge you have, but my 25 high idles & ends with the “needle” moving from blue to red. Takes a minute or so. I heard it is to get the cats warmed up to do their job properly…

 

[Mikeske]

Since all most all engines will have a slightly high idle because the computer runs a bit rich at cold start. This normal as in the old carburetor days we had a high idle circuit and a choke. Just normal behavior to prevent the vehicle from dieing at start up.

 

[Maverick123]

Since all most all engines will have a slightly high idle because the computer runs a bit rich at cold start. This normal as in the old carburetor days we had a high idle circuit and a choke. Just normal behavior to prevent the vehicle from dieing at start up.

As mentioned by @Chops on modern cars the fast idle at startup is to light off the catalytic converter(s) faster

 

[Chops]

As mentioned by @Chops on modern cars the fast idle at startup is to light off the catalytic converter(s) faster

There are other reasons too - I’ve been corrected before

 

[Gray Goose]

As mentioned by @Chops on modern cars the fast idle at startup is to light off the catalytic converter(s) faster

Not just modern cars. All internal combustion needs a richer fuel to air ratio at startup. Before electronic fuel injection, there was auto choke on the carburetor. Before that was a manual choke. Before that, the horse needed some extra oats on cold mornings.

 

[F100Lobo]

The high idle allows the engine to get up to operating temperature as quickly as possible.
Also, when the engine is at high idle the injection timing allows some of the combustion flame to exit the exhaust ports in an effort to get catalytic converter up to operating temperature.
It's all done for the strict emission rules.

 

[Meeka]

The high idle allows the engine to get up to operating temperature as quickly as possible.
Also, when the engine is at high idle the injection timing allows some of the combustion flame to exit the exhaust ports in an effort to get catalytic converter up to operating temperature.
It's all done for the strict emission rules.

Even tho it’s warmer out for now (and I park in a garage) I still let my Eco ‘warm’ up for a minute or so until the high idle drops, not even a minute before I take off. Winter I do the same but it takes a little longer for idle to drop, of course. Gotta look after my Turbo!

 

[F100Lobo]

The best cold start procedure, no matter the ambient temperature, is to let the engine idle for about 15 seconds, which allows the oil to circulate completely and then drive slowly until everything is up to temperature.
This allows the whole drive train to warm up equally.

 

[Chops]

The best cold start procedure, no matter the ambient temperature, is to let the engine idle for about 15 seconds, which allows the oil to circulate completely and then drive slowly until everything is up to temperature.
This allows the whole drive train to warm up equally.

I agree with you about those easy miles at first, but 15 seconds of idle isn’t nearly enough time for me to finish my pre-drive routine without stress!

I start my Maverick and buckle up my seatbelt. I will clear the happy seatbelt icon then pick the “Mode” I’ll be driving in at first. Sometimes I’ll check my tire pressures even though I did a visual before entering truck - just to calibrate my eyes with what the TPS is showing. Then I’ll connect my iPhone and get my destination set up. If no destination - I’ll hit the button to show me time & date. Am I forgetting any important birthdays today? Maybe a last minute check of texts etc before I’m driving. Also do a mental check to make sure I have everything I need for my drive.

The high idle is typically over by this time - if not I’ll take a deep breath or two & meditate. Never a bad idea I think.

But it is still critical to drive easy for a few miles to let the oil reach the proper temperature - even after the brief high idle.

Although, my easy miles should be a bit shorter than yours. As you are reaching the proper oil temperature you might see me in your rear view mirror catching up to you. Focused, organized, and stress free.

 

[Marcacox]

It allows the catalytic converters to get to temperature

 

[Marcacox]

It allows the catalytic converters to get to temperature

 

[F100Lobo]

I agree with you about those easy miles at first, but 15 seconds of idle isn’t nearly enough time for me to finish my pre-drive routine without stress!

I start my Maverick and buckle up my seatbelt. I will clear the happy seatbelt icon then pick the “Mode” I’ll be driving in at first. Sometimes I’ll check my tire pressures even though I did a visual before entering truck - just to calibrate my eyes with what the TPS is showing. Then I’ll connect my iPhone and get my destination set up. If no destination - I’ll hit the button to show me time & date. Am I forgetting any important birthdays today? Maybe a last minute check of texts etc before I’m driving. Also do a mental check to make sure I have everything I need for my drive.

The high idle is typically over by this time - if not I’ll take a deep breath or two & meditate. Never a bad idea I think.

But it is still critical to drive easy for a few miles to let the oil reach the proper temperature - even after the brief high idle.

Although, my easy miles should be a bit shorter than yours. As you are reaching the proper oil temperature you might see me in your rear view mirror catching up to you. Focused, organized, and stress free.

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