Starting problems

jjkennedy98 · 01-29-2008, 01:08 PM

I have a 98 crown vic. Somtimes when i try to start it the car wants to die. If i give it some gas for a few seconds it will pick up and run ok. It doesn't hapen evertime though and it doesn't seem to matter what the temp or wheather condition are.

Any advice?
Thanks

mark v · 01-29-2008, 02:16 PM

How many miles on it? When was the last tune-up? Has the fuel filter ever been changed?

ABE · 01-29-2008, 02:49 PM

Sounds like the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve is sticking. It is the round bodied unit on the throttle body. Try removing it and cleaning the openings and what you can see of the valve body inside with throttle body cleaner. The cleaner will get dark brown at first after dissolving the "carbon". Continue cleaning until it is clear. Took me about 10 to 15 minutes to get the crud out. Also clean out the throttle body while you are at it. The cleaner dissolves the crud and is Oxygen sensor safe (should say that on the can). You will need a new $5 gasket.

That fixed my problem on the '91.

jjkennedy98 · 01-29-2008, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark v

How many miles on it? When was the last tune-up? Has the fuel filter ever been changed?

It has 198,000 miles. The last tune up was done about 6 months ago when i replaced the intake. The old intake started leaking coolant where the temp sensor screws in. Yes, the fule filter has been changed.