Car dies at low idle?

fastas69 · 09-01-2003, 02:40 PM

I know this has to be a common problem, its a 90 mustang 5.0, the car wants to die at a low idle. It seems more so after it warms up. Usually if I hold my foot on the gas and idle it up to about 1000 rpm for several seconds and let off it will idle by its self. Any ideas? I feel stupid asking, but injection is new to me as well as fords. Thanks

stangGT95 · 09-01-2003, 03:22 PM

Could it be a dirty maf sensor?

fastas69 · 09-01-2003, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stangGT95
Could it be a dirty maf sensor?

Is there a particular wat to clean the MAF?

J114 · 09-01-2003, 07:11 PM

I have cleaned them with electro contact cleaner and had no
problems, seemed to work ok. After spraying lightly, I let it air
dry. Cleaner evaporates fairly quickly. If using K&N filter, using
excessive filter oil can cause problems with MAF sensor also.

loco2003 · 09-01-2003, 10:06 PM

i would also check iac sensor and tps sensor just to make sure

fastas69 · 09-02-2003, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by loco2003
i would also check iac sensor and tps sensor just to make sure

I have already replaced the TPS, that didnt make a differance. I'll check the IAC. Thanks for the info!

fastas69 · 09-08-2003, 07:04 PM

any more advice?

Fox Body · 09-08-2003, 10:01 PM

Hey man, start of with the cheap and easy stuff first. Check your vacuum lines and make sure they're not rotting or corroded. Start with the one coming from the intake going to the emissions control box.

Milt 92GT · 09-09-2003, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fastas69
I have already replaced the TPS, that didnt make a differance. I'll check the IAC. Thanks for the info!

The TPS needs to be set at 0.95 to 0.98 volts,check with volt meter by connecting the positive to the green wire and the neg to the black wire..(someone correct me if I'm wrong about the colors)..Turn the key to the on position but don't start the motor.If the TPS is not in spec,loosen the two screws and rotate the TPS slightly till you get it in spec...then tighten the screws.

Have you checked for any codes yet?Just because there isn't a check engine light flashing,doesn't mean that the car isn't giving any codes...Get a cheap code scanner from AutoZone if you don't have one...it's easy to use and can point you in the right direction...

What is the car idling at?I believe for a 5spd it should idle at about 750ish not sure about an auto but,my brother's 95 5.0 auto idle at about 500 rpm in drive and 750ish in park..

Good luck man-Milt

Fox Body · 09-09-2003, 08:42 AM

I thought the TPS came set from the factory at around .92 (I could be wrong...)

09-09-2003, 05:34 PM

Not sure about the factory setting...but .95-.98v is where you want it. Also...when was the last time you changed your fuel filter?

88fivepointoh · 09-11-2003, 01:04 AM

Now would be a good time to change your TFI module ( ignition module ) on the distributor. the low rpm side is probably burned out and is the most common failure and will drive you completly nutz. its 30 bucks or less anywhere and if never changed it a good idea to do so. I had same problems and its was the case. good luck!

fastas69 · 09-25-2003, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fox Body
Hey man, start of with the cheap and easy stuff first. Check your vacuum lines and make sure they're not rotting or corroded. Start with the one coming from the intake going to the emissions control box.

I finally fixed it today, I was changing the valve cover gaskets and had the upper intake off and the 3/8 rubber line going from the intake to the pvc was dried and cracking, replaced it and runs great now!! thanks for all the help

09-01-2003, 02:40 PM	#1
fastas69 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Arkcity, Kansas Posts: 44	Car dies at low idle? I know this has to be a common problem, its a 90 mustang 5.0, the car wants to die at a low idle. It seems more so after it warms up. Usually if I hold my foot on the gas and idle it up to about 1000 rpm for several seconds and let off it will idle by its self. Any ideas? I feel stupid asking, but injection is new to me as well as fords. Thanks __________________ ______________ >>>fastas69<<<

09-01-2003, 03:22 PM	#2
stangGT95 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Novinger, Mo Posts: 72	Could it be a dirty maf sensor? __________________ 95 GT w/ AODE and Transgo Shift kit, trans cooler, SpeedCal, KB 1.5 Flowzilla w/ 6# pulley, MAC chrome CAI, chrome radiator hoses, stock MAF w/ center post removed, 70mm PP TB, electrical boost & FP gauges, digital A/F gauge, 1 5/8" unequal headers, 2 1/2" ProChamber h-pipe, Borla catback exhaust, and 3.55's. Cobra RR hood, Saleen double wing, Xenon body kit, chrome Cobra R wheels 17X8 in front and 17X10.5 in the back.

09-08-2003, 07:04 PM	#7
fastas69 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Arkcity, Kansas Posts: 44	any more advice? __________________ ______________ >>>fastas69<<<

09-08-2003, 10:01 PM	#8
Fox Body Mustang Maniac Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: GA, U.S.A Posts: 2,266	Hey man, start of with the cheap and easy stuff first. Check your vacuum lines and make sure they're not rotting or corroded. Start with the one coming from the intake going to the emissions control box. __________________ 351W-powered 1979 Ford Mustang Ghia notchback '79 Video @ Idle Stock 5.8L under 4" cowl 'glass hood, C4 w/ Transgo shift kit, Holley 750 cfm, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake; Fluidyne Al radiator, Flexalite 175 electric fan, 1 5/8" MAC shorty headers, FRPP Al driveshaft; S&W 6-point cage; 2.5" Off road H-pipe, 2-chamber Flowmasters, 8.8" Rear w/ 3.55s; Weld wheels (15x6;15x8), Front: 225/60/15, Rear: 275/50/15 Nitto NT 555R Drag Radials; 14 x 4” K&N X-stream air filter. '92 GT (5-speed) Small In Car Video Stock 5.0L, 2-chamber Flowmasters, MAC CAI, Tri-Ax, Al pedals... "Red, thou art my companion. Hasten now your quickened metamorphosis to Green that I may conquer all who dare abide there beside me. May they be left thither behind burnt black." ---Fox Body

09-09-2003, 08:42 AM	#10
Fox Body Mustang Maniac Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: GA, U.S.A Posts: 2,266	I thought the TPS came set from the factory at around .92 (I could be wrong...) __________________ 351W-powered 1979 Ford Mustang Ghia notchback '79 Video @ Idle Stock 5.8L under 4" cowl 'glass hood, C4 w/ Transgo shift kit, Holley 750 cfm, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake; Fluidyne Al radiator, Flexalite 175 electric fan, 1 5/8" MAC shorty headers, FRPP Al driveshaft; S&W 6-point cage; 2.5" Off road H-pipe, 2-chamber Flowmasters, 8.8" Rear w/ 3.55s; Weld wheels (15x6;15x8), Front: 225/60/15, Rear: 275/50/15 Nitto NT 555R Drag Radials; 14 x 4” K&N X-stream air filter. '92 GT (5-speed) Small In Car Video Stock 5.0L, 2-chamber Flowmasters, MAC CAI, Tri-Ax, Al pedals... "Red, thou art my companion. Hasten now your quickened metamorphosis to Green that I may conquer all who dare abide there beside me. May they be left thither behind burnt black." ---Fox Body

09-01-2003, 07:11 PM	#4
J114 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Airdrie, Alberta - Canada Posts: 28	I have cleaned them with electro contact cleaner and had no problems, seemed to work ok. After spraying lightly, I let it air dry. Cleaner evaporates fairly quickly. If using K&N filter, using excessive filter oil can cause problems with MAF sensor also.

09-01-2003, 10:06 PM	#5
loco2003 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: austin texas Posts: 3	i would also check iac sensor and tps sensor just to make sure

09-09-2003, 05:34 PM	#11
Simi Stang Guest Posts: n/a	TPS setting Not sure about the factory setting...but .95-.98v is where you want it. Also...when was the last time you changed your fuel filter?

09-11-2003, 01:04 AM	#12
88fivepointoh Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Rochester Posts: 553	Now would be a good time to change your TFI module ( ignition module ) on the distributor. the low rpm side is probably burned out and is the most common failure and will drive you completly nutz. its 30 bucks or less anywhere and if never changed it a good idea to do so. I had same problems and its was the case. good luck!

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