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1998 Mercury Tracer idle speed low

Tiny
JWARRIOR319
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 MERCURY TRACER
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
When I sit at a stop lite my idle speed is really low and sometimes my car sounds like its going to shut off. Is it possible its the IAC?
Monday, September 21st, 2015 AT 5:38 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
The idle air control valve (IAC) is responsible for maintaining engine idle speed. So yes, it could be the problem. Also, an engine vacuum leak can do the same thing.
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Monday, September 21st, 2015 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
JWARRIOR319
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
How do I check for a vacum leak?
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015 AT 4:15 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
The safest way is to simply open the hood, start the engine, and see if you can hear any hissing sounds.

Other than that, you can use a vacuum gauge to see if the vacuum is low or weak at the intake which would indicate a leak. Other than that, many people use carb cleaner and spray it around all the vacuum lines. If there is a leak, the engine will either rev up or want to stall.

NOTE: Carb cleaner is very flamable. You must use caution if this technique is used.
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Thursday, September 24th, 2015 AT 5:37 PM

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