Idling all over the place

JAMESNYDER

MEMBER
2002 MERCURY SABLE
3.0L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
212,000 MILES

Sometimes the car will run fine for an hour then start idling low and stall out other times like today the car started idling badly soon as I started it. I was wondering what could cause this problem and does the car have an idle control sensor or what else could cause it? Thanks

5 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Erratic idling are mostly due to dirt accumulation in the throttle body which restricts the mount of air flow during idling. Cleaning the throttle body and idle control valve should resolve the problem.

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Monday, February 27th, 2017 AT 5:44 PM

JAMESNYDER

MEMBER
12 POSTS

I cleaned out the throttle body and it's still doing same thing I checked hoses to no leaks any other ideas thanks

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Wednesday, March 8th, 2017 AT 12:27 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,536 POSTS

Yep, do you have a fresh set of spark plugs in it? This can cause idling problems.

Also I would clean the MAF sensor.

Here is a guide

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mass-air-flow-service

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken

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Friday, March 10th, 2017 AT 4:28 PM

JAMESNYDER

MEMBER
12 POSTS

I have a 2005 Ford free star and it had a loose battery terminal I fixed that and started it up and on the way home every light on the dashboard came on and I was loosing power any idea

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Thursday, May 11th, 2017 AT 9:56 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,536 POSTS

Yes, it sounds like you have a bad connection at the battery still. Is there any corrosion on the terminals?

Here is a guide to show you how to fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken