2009 Ford Focus SE High Idle RPMs?

I have a 2009 Ford Focus SE 4 Door Sedan, Automatic Transmission, 135, xxx miles, no accidents very well maintained.

All was fine until two weeks ago when the idle RPMs started changing. Currently, when the car is initially started (either after being outside or stored in the garage over night) the idle RPMs are around 1500-1700.

That idle speed holds firm until I out the car in drive, neutral or reverse - regardless of how long I let it idle for.

The temperature has ranged between 15 degrees farenheit to 40 degrees farenheit.

The car was not doing this last winter.

There's also a noticeable ticking sound which may be the timing belt?

Could anyome provide insight into the high idle? Such as whether this could be a timing belt issue, transmisson issue, sensor, etc?

Timing belts do not generally make ticking sounds. If they make any kind of sound at all then they are almost certainly about the break.
If the engine management light is not on then the engine operation can be considered a normal cold start pre-programmed into the ECU however perhaps the temperature sensor is reading too low due to a fault with it or its wiring.

The high idle sounds normal for cold weather.

the ticking sound is valves and it is not healthy. Change your oil and make sure you use 5w30 synthetic, it will help quiet it down.

This car has an electronic throttle body. Improper idle speed is usually caused by carbon buildup around the throttle plate. See this post on how to clean it

High rpms at idle? Likely a stuck open idle air control valve or a vacuum leak. For the ticking, change the oil and see if the ticking goes away. If not, time to see a pro.

Thanks for the answer guys - I tried to submit a best answer but I got an error stating "we're experiencing problems" - will try again later to do that.

As for the car, ill try the oil change and see if that helps - if not ill take all your answers to the dealership and see which make the most sense.