Got the truck all packed to take a little trip this weekend and she starts acting up on me....

Truck will start but won't idle. I can give her gas to keep her going but as soon as I let off of the gas she dies on me again. I did not notice any out of the ordinary things with the truck before this. She has 36,700 miles on her (out of warranty).

Ideas are much appreciated.....

 

Added note: The fuel filter was changed 6000 miles ago. The only mod I have is the filter....

 

Check and clean the IAC...Idle Air Control Valve....It may be sticking or dirty....Sometimes just tapping it with a tool will free it also.....

 

Yup as stated check clean your IAC.

Here's a how-to:http://www.fastndelirious.com/forums...s=&threadid=90

 

It wouldnt hurt to change fuel filter too, I change mine every 2500 miles.....these filters have 5 micron element..doesnt take a lot to impede them...

 

Sounds like some type of vac leak or IAC..as stated look around under the hood for loose hoses!

 

replace the IAC.. don't just clean it... Cleaning it in many cases causes the motor to fail completely

 

Any Word if cleaning the IAC helped AA out ???

svt4rd
I have NEVER heard
"Cleaning it in many cases causes the motor to fail completely"
I know MANY Lightning + Mustang Brothers + Sisters that clean their IAC all the time, and then get there idle back --> ME INCLUDED
Those were my "How Do" directions in the link,
BTW
Thanks 0light1

Mine was stalling for quite sometime and giving me an irratic idle,
Someone from here told me to clean my IAC, (Truck had @6-8k on it), my problem went away instantly, and I never had a problem again I hear it's a real problem with Mustangs and other Fords too, I've read tons of post where people had to clean or replace them. This is the first time I'm hearing cleaning it could be bad, Please explain more ???

BTW
Anyone know how much they cost ???
I guess a spare couldn't hurt

 

What Rob said....... I have cleaned several including a Saab, a Camaro, and my two F150s including my 01 L. Sometimes they do need replacing when cleaning doesn't work but the cleaning did not/does not harm them.

Dan

 

Check your mass air...some junk my have pass by the filter.


Herb

 

I work as a tech at a ford dealer and I see it alot. People come in with the sticking valve and say they tried to clean it. I am not 100% sure why it happens, though I can speculate that the chemical used, usually carb cleaner, gets into the motor assembly of the IAC and causes a short. check the slide bar you can usuallty see where it has been binding. Cleaning may be a temp. fix but it needs a replacement. part is about 70 bucks where I am at.

 

Good answer, it makes sence.
Glad I used Alcohol + Q Tips,
it dry's right up.

I think for the people like me that had problem under 10K,
it was clearly a carbon build up problem, and not a worn out, or faulty problem. Carbon's the problem I've heard the Mustang community is experiencing too along with some other Fords. I guess there's a difference between a dirty one, and a faulty one.
I never looked at it that way before. Thanks for the info and price.

 

svt4rd,

good info, thanks!!

Now, does anyone know where we could order one over the internet if it starts becoming a constant problem?

part# and site.

-0light1

 

It really shouldnt be a problem.

If you use throttle body cleaner, flat head screw driver and a toothbrush, you can clean it right up. Being a 2001 model, you shouldnt be having this problem. How much oil are you getting in your tbody or have you checked?

 

Thanks for the good info fellas....

I got my truck to start by just letting it sit for a while so I went ahead and went on my weekend trip. Just got back. No problems until late today when I had was starting to come home. Same thing. But after 2-3 tries it started right up. I'll clean the IAC tomnorrow and see if my problem re-appears. Thanks again.