Idling all over the place

2002 MERCURY SABLE
212,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JAMESNYDER
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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
Feb 27, 2017 at 12:38 PM
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KHLOW2008
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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.
Feb 27, 2017 at 5:44 PM
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JAMESNYDER
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I cleaned out the throttle body and it's still doing same thing I checked hoses to no leaks any other ideas thanks
Mar 8, 2017 at 12:27 PM
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STRAILER
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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
Mar 10, 2017 at 4:28 PM
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JAMESNYDER
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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
May 11, 2017 at 9:56 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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
May 11, 2017 at 11:13 AM
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