# 2002 Ford Escape shutdown at idle

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-ford-escape-shutdown-at-idle/11045>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [February 23, 2008, 8:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-ford-escape-shutdown-at-idle/11045 "2008-02-23T20:17:49Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![bmarsh80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@bmarsh80](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bmarsh80)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2008, 8:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-ford-escape-shutdown-at-idle/11045/1 "2008-02-23T20:17:49Z")

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Hey guys,  
  
 My wife and I have a 2002 Ford Escape 3.0L that keeps shutting off at idle. We’ve tried replacing the injectors, air filter, etc., with no results. I know this is a common prolem with Escapes but I can’t find a solution. Any ideas?

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2008, 9:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-ford-escape-shutdown-at-idle/11045/2 "2008-02-23T21:03:37Z")

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The next time the engine wants to stall, try stepping slightly on the accelerator. If this prevents the engine from stalling, there’s probably a problem with the Idle Air Control circuit.

Tester

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**Author:** ![MikeM95831](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecae2f/32.png) [@MikeM95831](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeM95831)\
**Post date:** [February 24, 2008, 10:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-ford-escape-shutdown-at-idle/11045/3 "2008-02-24T22:03:35Z")

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I had this problem too, and cleaning the throttle body fixed it. I did that after I changed the IAC valve, which was probably something it did not need, unfortunately. Nevertheless, I think IAC may be a valid answer, because it’s a common problem with this vehicle.

One thing to look for with the IAC is that it’s on a newer revision, which means you probably have to reflash your ECU when you go to the newer IAC (there’s a sticker on the box with this same warning). Other than the dealer, I don’t know who would do that. Changing the IAC on these cars is literally easier than changing an air filter. It’s right on top. You can’t miss it.