Hello everybody.

My name is Michael.

I have a really serious problem with my 1997 Ford Ka.

I start the engine - no problem; it starts promtly and idles itself immediately. And it runs that way just fine until i touch the acceleration. When I do that, it revs up, but when it should come back to idle mode, it dosn't. Just stops.

I poked around and i found the spark plugs black - clear indication of too rich air/fuel mixture.

I replaced IAC (idle air control valve), MAF (mass airflow sensor), O2 sensor and the throttle position sensor. There was no change. And my old sensors work just fine on a car ok same make, model and year.

If anyone has any ideea about what could be wrong, please tell me. I have no more of my own.

Thank you.

Hi

Did you replace the idle speed control valve (ISCV)

Does this car have an accelerator cable or an electronic fly by wire throttle.

If it has an electronic throttle it sounds like it may be defective.

Are there any fault codes.

Jamie

Hi

Did you replace the idle speed control valve (ISCV)

Does this car have an accelerator cable or an electronic fly by wire throttle.

If it has an electronic throttle it sounds like it may be defective.

Are there any fault codes.

Jamie

Hello, Jamie.

Yes, I've changed the ISCV (or IAC - same thing) and the TPS (throttle position sensor - the car has a cable accelerator, with a position senzor. It it new.).

My problem is that the mixture is too rich; the spark plugs are black, instead of red-brown.

There are no error codes and the sensor readings are identical to those of a perfectly working similar car, with the exeception of the O2 sensor reading which indicates too little oxigen in the mixture.

Any other thoughts ?

Thank you.

Hello, Jamie.

Yes, I've changed the ISCV (or IAC - same thing) and the TPS (throttle position sensor - the car has a cable accelerator, with a position senzor. It it new.).

My problem is that the mixture is too rich; the spark plugs are black, instead of red-brown.

There are no error codes and the sensor readings are identical to those of a perfectly working similar car, with the exeception of the O2 sensor reading which indicates too little oxigen in the mixture.

Any other thoughts ?

Thank you.

My ideas are

1. get the ecu software/ firmware updated by nicely asking your ford service manager,,, maybe a few cd's or itunes vouchers may work it does with my service manager he happens to like nirvanna if i have spelt it right.

Software updates benefit spark/fueling/economy etc.

How old is the air filter.

Running rich could indicate a problem with the fuel system not the ignition/spark system ie leads and plugs.

Are the plugs the correct ones for the car. ie the correct heat range if they are too cold they will carbon up and soot up quickly. if they are too hot it could cause holed pistons and an overheating engine.

Hope my ideas are any good

Jamie