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Engine sputters and dies

Tiny
STEVEPOONS
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • 192,000 MILES
My 98 Ford F150, 4.6L is sputtering and eventually dying in low idle. When the truck comes to a stop the RPMs drop below 500, the engine sputters and dies about 25% of the time. I've notice that when the engine sputters the lights also dim. What could the problem be?

I have been forced to put the truck in neutral at stops and lightly rev the engine to keep from stalling. Please help!
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Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 AT 2:35 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Check for vacuum leaks and check idle air control valve.
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Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
STEVEPOONS
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Where is the idle air control valve?
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Tuesday, November 29th, 2011 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
The IAC is located on the throttle body. It's purpose is to maintain idle speed based on input from the computer. On newer cars, the throttle plate is closed at idle; however, air still needs to get to the engine. Via the IAC, air is metered into the intake.
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Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 AT 1:22 AM
Tiny
STEVEPOONS
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Replaced the IAC, and checked all vacuum lines. Still having the problem. What is the next possible issue?
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Thursday, December 1st, 2011 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Those are the two items that can affect the idle. Have any trouble codes been retrieved?
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Friday, December 2nd, 2011 AT 5:04 AM

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