• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

idoling problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter MagnaflowGT
  • Start date Start date Oct 10, 2004

MagnaflowGT

New Member
Oct 3, 2004
73
0
0
Oct 10, 2004
#1
  • Oct 10, 2004
  • #1
Ok, I went to drive my stang today. I cut it on and went to back out. The RPMs dropped and it started to put and then it cut off. SO I did it again, and i pressed the gas and it did it again, then i noticed smoke. Could my idol air control sensor be bad? This is a big problem i need fixed before I go to laguna. any help?
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Oct 10, 2004
#2
  • Oct 10, 2004
  • #2
im not exactly sure what your entire post means. however, i would pull codes. pay attention to IAC, ECT, ACT, and EGR codes.
then, as you said, clean the iac and see what gives.

good luck and welcome to the boards.
 

MagnaflowGT

New Member
Oct 3, 2004
73
0
0
Oct 10, 2004
#3
  • Oct 10, 2004
  • #3
what do I use to clean it. Its messing up really bad, like when I drive it, and i floor it, it just puts and stutters then it pics up, and when i shift, it does it too when i step on the gas again
 

GRGT1994

New Member
Sep 22, 2004
1,034
0
0
Oct 10, 2004
#4
  • Oct 10, 2004
  • #4


I think you should do something to get your Mustang off of the idol worship. I mean all this talk about idol problems is a bit concerning.

Oh, maybe you were talking about the car's idle. Sorry just couldn't resist.
 

MagnaflowGT

New Member
Oct 3, 2004
73
0
0
Oct 10, 2004
#5
  • Oct 10, 2004
  • #5
Lol.. haha, you know what I meant, but seriously though. This is a really stupid problem to have, but, it is a problem.
 
T

TheUser

Active Member
Jul 25, 2003
1,859
1
36
Springfield, MO
Oct 10, 2004
#6
  • Oct 10, 2004
  • #6
i cleaned mine w/ throttle body cleaner. Pull codes like Hissin says...if you don't know how, search for Jrichker and keyword codes and it should be in one of his posts somewhere.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
34
129
Oct 11, 2004
#7
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #7
TheUser said:
i cleaned mine w/ throttle body cleaner. Pull codes like Hissin says...if you don't know how, search for Jrichker and keyword codes and it should be in one of his posts somewhere.
Click to expand...
two good points, TU.

do use TB cleaner - not carb cleaner (there is a teflon coating in there which you dont want to remove).

and with the issues you mention since your initial post, do pull codes and let us know - with issues that large, you should be tossing some codes. good luck.
 

MagnaflowGT

New Member
Oct 3, 2004
73
0
0
Oct 11, 2004
#8
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #8
ok, cleaning the throttleobdy i can do, but I dont kno wanything about pulling codes. Would getting another computer work as well?
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Oct 11, 2004
#9
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #9
If the car runs at all, keep your existing computer. They very seldom fail and still leave the engine running decently at any speed.

Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
OR
See http://www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html for more descriptive help
OR
See http://www.mustangworks.com/article...c-iv_codes.html

IF your car is an 88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is about $30 or so at AutoZone or Walmart .
 

MagnaflowGT

New Member
Oct 3, 2004
73
0
0
Oct 11, 2004
#10
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #10
i'll just have to take it to a show and let them try something, this is a little too cpmplicated for me. Im not good with the electrical type stuff.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Oct 11, 2004
#11
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #11
MagnaflowGT said:
i'll just have to take it to a show and let them try something, this is a little too cpmplicated for me. Im not good with the electrical type stuff.
Click to expand...
Spend the $30 or so and buy a Ford scanner from AutoZone or Walmart. They are Murphy proof, and the first use will pay for it. Most auto shops are going to charge 1 hour's worth of labor at $60-$75 an hour. Post the results of the scan and we'll help you get it fixed.
 

MagnaflowGT

New Member
Oct 3, 2004
73
0
0
Oct 11, 2004
#12
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #12
Ok then, I will do that. But where do I plug it up at. Sorry if I sound like a novice, but I am when it comes to this kinda stuff.
 
8

87'GTstang

New Member
Feb 16, 2004
1,025
0
0
Oct 11, 2004
#13
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #13
jrichker said:
If the car runs at all, keep your existing computer. They very seldom fail and still leave the engine running decently at any speed.

Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
OR
See http://www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html for more descriptive help
OR
See http://www.mustangworks.com/article...c-iv_codes.html

IF your car is an 88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is about $30 or so at AutoZone or Walmart .
Click to expand...

Go figure, there's the code/computer man! I was always wondering what method if any method at all would work for an 87' or if MAF conversion was ever done - would it work then?

Anyway back to the topic, If your car is having a problem like that then you almost should be showing a code in the computer. I'm not 100% sure where it is on yours but the two most common places for the datalink connector for a scanner is either uner the driver's side of the dash or the passenger side of the engine compatment.
 

MagnaflowGT

New Member
Oct 3, 2004
73
0
0
Oct 11, 2004
#14
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #14
Ok then, thank you. I hope I dont have to replace any sensors or nothin, and im hopin its somethin in the computer. WIll this thing fix the problem, or just give me codes or somethin to work with?
 

Venom4.6

Founding Member
Jun 30, 2002
1,356
0
0
Saint Louis, MO
Oct 11, 2004
#15
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #15
MagnaflowGT said:
Ok, I went to drive my stang today. I cut it on and went to back out. The RPMs dropped and it started to put and then it cut off. SO I did it again, and i pressed the gas and it did it again, then i noticed smoke. Could my idol air control sensor be bad? This is a big problem i need fixed before I go to laguna. any help?
Click to expand...

What color was the smoke? Black(fuel), blue(oil) or white(coolant)?
Black means you are running pig rich, not enough air or too much fuel(fuel pressure) Clean throttle body, MAF, IAC and check TPS voltage and fuel pressure(38-40psi is good).
Blue, check your spark plugs for oil deposits
White, intake seal is bad.
 

MagnaflowGT

New Member
Oct 3, 2004
73
0
0
Oct 11, 2004
#16
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #16
The smoke was black sometimes and then white the other times. I dunno, whatever it is is really annoying. Its aggravating and um.. yea, Im kinda sick of it. Cause me to miss my SCCA race. I guess i'll have to wait til tomorrow to clean all that stuff.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Oct 11, 2004
#17
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #17
MagnaflowGT said:
Ok then, I will do that. But where do I plug it up at. Sorry if I sound like a novice, but I am when it comes to this kinda stuff.
Click to expand...
The test connector is located on the back side of the driver side strut tower.

When you buy the scanner, it has a really good instruction manual that tells you how to use it & what the connector looks like.

See http://www.actron.com/publish/2004/06/23/pdf_english_16153.pdf for a free look at the instuction manual.

You will need the Adobe Acrobat viewer which is also a free download – http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
 

MagnaflowGT

New Member
Oct 3, 2004
73
0
0
Oct 11, 2004
#18
  • Oct 11, 2004
  • #18
Thanx guy. I'll have to wait til tomorrow to do some buying, because everything is closed right now. I hope it works.
 

syburstang

New Member
Sep 7, 2004
17
0
0
San Diego, CA from SA, TX
Oct 12, 2004
#19
  • Oct 12, 2004
  • #19
I have the same problem, and bought that exact code scanner and it doesn't work for me...I think that my wiring is mega jacked up. However, just to add...I've also been told that an insufficient fuel pump or faulty fuel pump can cause that also. You should do what I intend to do and that is check your entire fuel system also. I wish you more luck than I'm having.
 

MagnaflowGT

New Member
Oct 3, 2004
73
0
0
Oct 13, 2004
#20
  • Oct 13, 2004
  • #20
The code scanner or whatever didnt work good. I took it back up to 8 seconds and they said it was one of 3 problems. My idle air control, my mass air meter, or my fuel pump
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Engine Vacc leak detector
  • Creomod
  • Jul 19, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
135
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 25, 2026
Mustang5L5
D
Engine Throttle sticky even after cable replacement
  • dqureshi06
  • Aug 16, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
6
Views
372
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Aug 17, 2025
AeroCoupe
7
Engine Random hanging idle
  • 706 Saleen
  • Feb 11, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
9
Views
690
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 19, 2026
86HO5.0
8
G
Idle surging after warm up
  • GALLY3309
  • Jun 10, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
149
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 10, 2026
Noobz347
G
In expensive ceramic coating
  • gray owl
  • Jul 12, 2026
  • Mustang Sound & Shine All
Replies
7
Views
250
Mustang Sound & Shine All Tuesday at 12:29 PM
NotaVegetarian
N
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?