Cold Idle Kicker
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2004 Ford RV Cutaway, 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Excursion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Cold idle kicker strategy provides an increase in idle speed during cold engine warm up, of up to 1100 RPM (normally 725 RPM for manual, 650 RPM for auto), for a faster warm-up to operating temperature during extended idle conditions. This is accomplished by the PCM, which monitors the EOT sensor input and adjusts the RPM accordingly, to a maximum of 1100 RPM.
The idle speed is increased proportionately when the engine oil temperature is below 70°C (158°F) and the engine has been at idle for more than 2 minutes. Applying the brake pedal, clutch or accelerator pedal will deactivate the cold idle kicker strategy and return the idle speed to 650 RPM.