Low idle and the engine seems to want to shut off while idling?

1996 FORD RANGER
200,000 MILES • 2.3L • 4 CYL • 2WD
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DUKERSBOY69
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  • 1 POST
When in neutral it wants to act like it's going to shut off. i changed my IAC and it still idles low.
Jan 8, 2024 at 1:26 PM
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MONSTERTRUCKDADDY
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 31 POSTS
Hi Dukersboy69,

I'd start by looking at making sure it's had a good tune-up.

How does the ignition system look? How old are the plugs, are they gapped correctly, coil pack connections clean?

Any check engine light/fault codes?

Fuel injectors could need a good cleaning also.

Vacuum leaks usually end up with a slightly higher than usual idle on these from what I recall, but worth taking a good look over the usual suspects... anything after the MAF sensor, brake booster line, manifold ports...

Please let us know and we can take it from there to help narrow down your issue.

Thanks,

Jason

Jan 8, 2024 at 7:43 PM
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STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,178 POSTS
Chances are you have a vacuum leak. please use this guide when the engine is cold only:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

Please go over these guides and get back to us.


Jan 9, 2024 at 11:37 AM