1999 Ford Falcon Why does my car vibrate when idling?

PMBAOKHANH

MEMBER
1999 FORD FALCON
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
152,000 MILES

I have a Ford Falcon AU with 152,000 miles. When at a stop light, the car will vibrate. It doesn't shake the whole car, but it is noticeable, especially on the brake pedal and under my feet, and lightly on the steering wheel. The vibration also occurs as I press the brake pedal and the car is just about to reach a complete stop, and as it slows out of a stop as I release the brake pedal. But at driving speeds there is no vibration.

At first I thought it may be axle related because when I turn the wheel while stopped, the vibration goes away. But I'm afraid it may be engine related because when it's vibrating and then I put the car in neutral, the vibration stops.

The vibration doesn't happen every time I stop, but it is happening more often. And it always happens in the morning when I first drive the car and after the car has been parked for long periods of time.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

5 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Tell me when was the last time it had a tune up? New plugs and check plug wire air filter, fuel filter and such? We don't have the Falcons in the state so you will tell me what engine do you have and what fuel system and is it distributor less ignition or not? I will find the sister car in the states to get info needed. Get back to me.

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Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 AT 10:22 AM

PMBAOKHANH

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I think it just been tuned up few months ago as I just bought it last month and the last owner said so. But the fuel filter and air filter was change when I did minor service couple days ago.
The only thing I know about my car is it has 4.0 L Intech I6 engine and fuel injected and it need ignition key to start the engine.
I will check the plugs and plug wire.
Thanks a lot.

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Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 AT 5:57 PM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Yes please check the plugs and wires. Never assume that what you are told is fact. I hear alot about how this and that was just replaced to find out later that it was years ago not months. Not saying that is true in your case but we need to know that they are good before moving foward to other possibilities. Anyway get back to me with what you find and we will take it from there.

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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 AT 10:08 AM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

H there,

Just to add to this good advice from racefan, these engines do have a nasty habit of having vacuum leaks at the inlet manifold, and we often have problems with the coils as well, the fuel filters are very critical on these, throttle bodies are a problem as well but I would be checking the vacuum side as this is very common.
Mark (mhpautos)

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Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 AT 4:04 PM

AZZTRS

MEMBER
1 POST

Did you find out what was wrong with your car as this is happening to me.
When I stop the car (at the lights, the corner, in my drive way) the pedal vibrate and there is a noise (sounds like some thing is spinning). So far no one has any answers. Thanks.