1996 Ford Fiesta Changing the gear

1996 FORD FIESTA
55,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHAMWITH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I bought the car recently and when I change the gear from park to drive or reverse the the car shakes and the engine stops. But this happens only when the car is stationary for a long time (eg. in the morning)

Please help me on this!!!
Jul 23, 2009 at 11:32 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 41,814 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi chamwith,

Thank you for the donation.

The symptoms indicates a fault with the cold start and I would suggest checking/cleaning the Idle Air Control Valve and throttle body. When cold, the idle speed is increased by the IAC ans when it is not operating correctly, the speed is too low and would cause stalling when gears are engaged.

Do you have any problem with overheating or coolant losses?
Jul 23, 2009 at 12:25 PM
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CHAMWITH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you very much. I have a little bit of technical knowledge and is it possible for me to clean the "Idle Ari Control Valve"? If so can you please explain how I can do this?

I don't have any problem of overheating or coolent losses.

Thank you very much again.
Jul 23, 2009 at 1:32 PM
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KHLOW2008
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 41,814 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I do not have any online technical info for this vehicle so will have to explain by means of words.

The simplest way to clean the IAC is to remove it and use carb cleaner to clean. Altenatively, remove the air intake hose, spray some carb cleaner into the throttle body and ports. Let it soak for a while. Meanwhile, open the throttle plate and with that aid of a rag sprayed with carb cleaner, scrub the area around the throttle plate closed position.

With throttle opened slightly, spray some carb cleaner to clean the throttle body.

Wait a while before starting, it might take some cranking as the carb cleaner would cause it to be rich and this is normal.
Jul 24, 2009 at 8:05 AM
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