Idle Problem
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New User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Idle Problem
I have a 1996 Ford Ranger. When I'm driving it and come to a stop sign or red light, the engine shuts down. I restart it without a problem, and can accelarate. What I do is place it in neutral when I'm stopped, and the whole truck rocks from side to side. Can someone point me in the right direction. Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: Cary USA
Idle Problem
I have had three vehicles that exhibited simliar symptoms - one had a serious vacuum leak and the other two needed new fuel filters.
The one with the vacuum leak idled rough (when it would stay running at idle) the ones needing new fuel filters would only die when I slowed to a stop (they would idle fine when started).
Gary M.
White 2002 F250 SD, SC, SB, 4x4, 6.8L v10, 3.73LS, 4spd Auto, Reverse Aid Sensor, Class IV Hitch, Offroad Package, Manual Hubs, 40/20/40 Bench Seat, Towing Package, Camper Package, Lariat, Putco Locker Side Rails, Mud Flaps, K&N Filter, Vent Visors, Aluminum in-bed Tool Box (sits in the bed, dosn't hang over the bed rails), Vent Visors, CB radio w/102" SS Whip Antenna, Autolocks programmed off, Seatbelt Minder programmed off, Key in ignition sensor wire dosconnected...
White 2002 Ranger 4x2 3.0L V6 XLT 2 door supercab with the power group, auto, chrome wheels, mud flaps, body side molding, vent visors, Leonard cab high fiberglass camper shell, and the 60/40 bench seat as my daily driver
The one with the vacuum leak idled rough (when it would stay running at idle) the ones needing new fuel filters would only die when I slowed to a stop (they would idle fine when started).
Gary M.
White 2002 F250 SD, SC, SB, 4x4, 6.8L v10, 3.73LS, 4spd Auto, Reverse Aid Sensor, Class IV Hitch, Offroad Package, Manual Hubs, 40/20/40 Bench Seat, Towing Package, Camper Package, Lariat, Putco Locker Side Rails, Mud Flaps, K&N Filter, Vent Visors, Aluminum in-bed Tool Box (sits in the bed, dosn't hang over the bed rails), Vent Visors, CB radio w/102" SS Whip Antenna, Autolocks programmed off, Seatbelt Minder programmed off, Key in ignition sensor wire dosconnected...
White 2002 Ranger 4x2 3.0L V6 XLT 2 door supercab with the power group, auto, chrome wheels, mud flaps, body side molding, vent visors, Leonard cab high fiberglass camper shell, and the 60/40 bench seat as my daily driver
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Idle Problem
I have an 85 Ranger and mine has been doing this off and on for a couple of years. It will do this for a couple of days then it won't do it again for a couple of months. I have asked many mechanics and they haven't been able to give me the answer. I have not found any vaccum leaks but I can hear it when I rev the engine. Thanks for the suggetions on what to look for.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg USA
Idle Problem
Hey "jmart", a friend of mine here at work just had an IAC go bad, like "Ken00" was talking about. It took no time for the shop to fix his ... problem solved. When you are under the hood during idle (especially in COLD weather, with the engine NOT warmed up yet), do you hear a strange noise coming from the vicinity of the air cleaner?? The IAC will sometimes make noise as it starts to fail. (By the way, I have a stupid question ... WHAT IS AN IAC???)
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
Idle Problem
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 08-Jan-03 AT 03:01 PM (EST)]Spray carb cleaner around all the gaskets areas on the engine and vacuum lines and hoses, do this with a cool engine and bend the hose/lines a bit. The engine speed will change if you find the leak.
The IAC is the idle air control and it is normally found on/near the throttle body or intake manifold. It allows air to bypass the throttle plate which allows the computer to adjust the idle speed.
The IAC is the idle air control and it is normally found on/near the throttle body or intake manifold. It allows air to bypass the throttle plate which allows the computer to adjust the idle speed.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: Cary USA
Idle Problem
I was just out looking at the TSBs for Rangers and came across the following:
---------------------------------
Technical Service Bulletins Summary
Make: FORD TRUCK
Model: RANGER
Year: 2002
Service Bulletin Number: 16091
Bulletin Sequence Number: 636
Summary Description:
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.0L EFI (NON-FFV) ENGINE, MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE QUIT CONDITION UPON DECELERATION AND / OR AT A STOP. *TT
---------------------------------
You might want to look into this further if you haven't already found the culprit....
Gary M.
White 2002 F250 SD, SC, SB, 4x4, 6.8L v10, 3.73LS, 4spd Auto, Reverse Aid Sensor, Class IV Hitch, Offroad Package, Manual Hubs, 40/20/40 Bench Seat, Towing Package, Camper Package, Lariat, Putco Locker Side Rails, Mud Flaps, K&N Filter, Vent Visors, Aluminum in-bed Tool Box (sits in the bed, dosn't hang over the bed rails), Vent Visors, CB radio w/102" SS Whip Antenna, Autolocks programmed off, Seatbelt Minder programmed off, Key in ignition sensor wire dosconnected...
White 2002 Ranger 4x2 3.0L V6 XLT 2 door supercab with the power group, auto, chrome wheels, mud flaps, body side molding, vent visors, Leonard cab high fiberglass camper shell, and the 60/40 bench seat as my daily driver
---------------------------------
Technical Service Bulletins Summary
Make: FORD TRUCK
Model: RANGER
Year: 2002
Service Bulletin Number: 16091
Bulletin Sequence Number: 636
Summary Description:
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.0L EFI (NON-FFV) ENGINE, MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE QUIT CONDITION UPON DECELERATION AND / OR AT A STOP. *TT
---------------------------------
You might want to look into this further if you haven't already found the culprit....
Gary M.
White 2002 F250 SD, SC, SB, 4x4, 6.8L v10, 3.73LS, 4spd Auto, Reverse Aid Sensor, Class IV Hitch, Offroad Package, Manual Hubs, 40/20/40 Bench Seat, Towing Package, Camper Package, Lariat, Putco Locker Side Rails, Mud Flaps, K&N Filter, Vent Visors, Aluminum in-bed Tool Box (sits in the bed, dosn't hang over the bed rails), Vent Visors, CB radio w/102" SS Whip Antenna, Autolocks programmed off, Seatbelt Minder programmed off, Key in ignition sensor wire dosconnected...
White 2002 Ranger 4x2 3.0L V6 XLT 2 door supercab with the power group, auto, chrome wheels, mud flaps, body side molding, vent visors, Leonard cab high fiberglass camper shell, and the 60/40 bench seat as my daily driver
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
Idle Problem
If you would like to know more about the TSB go to alldata.com and get the Ford number and send me an email with what you need and I'll post the info from the TSB, I have most of them from last year back to 1988.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Idle Problem
A bad connection to the IAC or TPS can also cause this problem.
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