1990 Ford Tempo Idles High and throttle? Chain sticks

DIRTBIKE76

MEMBER
1990 FORD TEMPO
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
400,000 MILES

Just got an old tempo. It has been parked for over a year, but we got it to start. But lack of the proper name for it, the chain on the throttle body sticks. Replace it? And the car idles really high when parked. Adjust it? How? It also had NO trans fluid, (so we added 4 qts, still says low) and stays in 2nd gear unless we're going 50+ mph and it will finally shift into over-drive and the temp decreases. Low trans fluid, or trans problem?

3 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

The idle is NOT adjustable unless someone has tried to do it already and messed it up! There is a small screw on side of throttle plate housing but it's only to make the small adjustment to make sure the plate is not 'sticking' when completely closed! The real idle adjust is computer controlled by the IAC also mounted to throttle housing! A bad vaccuum line leak could also account for high idle.

So your saying it shifts 1-2 OK? At what speed is 1-2 shift?Should be around 5-10mph. There is a kickdown arm coming off throttle that goes strate down to trans. This can get knocked off or be out of adjustment causing late shifts. No fluid is funny? Must have a leak? Usually in trans-radiator cooler lines. If fluid "reads" on stick while running it's enough for trans to work. There is no overdrive, it's just high gear.(3rd)

the chain is cruise control you can just disconnect it?

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Monday, June 21st, 2010 AT 8:32 AM

DIRTBIKE76

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The following day after posting my question, we attempted to check out the car again, and discovered the rod was disconnected! After fixing it, and starting the car it ran PERFECT, and shifts great! There is a very small trans leak but not bad! Just have to replace on of the shocks, get a new A/C panel, and install the radio then it's good to go. I'd say we got a pretty good deal, paying only $50 for it! Thanks for the reply.

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Monday, June 21st, 2010 AT 11:20 PM

TEMPOSUCKS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

That's the same problem I'm having, my rod is disconnected but I do not know where it reconnects to. Also, on the throttle body there is a little metal "nub" and on what I assume is the auto-clutch there is another but nothing connecting the two "nubs". I appreciate any help.

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Tuesday, July 13th, 2010 AT 3:36 AM