1986 Cougar 3.8 L won't idle. Reply #45 – August 17, 2018, 08:25:53 AM IMO, I would find another garage. Does this garage have an ASE Master Mechanic? Quote Selected
1986 Cougar 3.8 L won't idle. Reply #46 – August 17, 2018, 01:37:47 PM Quote from: Mikey97D;466790IMO, I would find another garage. Does this garage have an ASE Master Mechanic?I don't know if they are ASE Master mechanics. I had the car towed to them because they specialize in working on fox body mustangs. I figured since my '86 Cougar is also a fox body car they would have the answer. Quote Selected
Re: 1986 Cougar 3.8 L won't idle. Reply #47 – June 21, 2020, 02:25:32 AM Ok, so it's been over 2 years since I started this thread about my 86 Cougar. The car has been back home for over 2 years now and still won't idle. It will start right up when I spray carb cleaner down the TDI. Two different mechanics tried to fix the car but neither could figure out why it won't idle. It is not throwing any codes. As I mentioned at the start of this thread, I replaced a lot of parts to try to fix the car including the computer. The second mechanic replaced the original computer more than 2 years ago. I recently found out he replaced the original computer with a computer from a 86 Mustang in the junkyard. Could that be the problem? If I bought a new rebuilt computer ($93) and installed that could it maybe solve the problem? Please let me know what you guys think. Thanks! Quote Selected
Re: 1986 Cougar 3.8 L won't idle. Reply #48 – June 21, 2020, 08:43:34 PM What method are you using to pull codes?There should always be some codes.The KOEO (Key On Engine Off) self test will test the sensor inputs to the EEC.If it finds a sensor out of specs it will post a fault code.If it successfully completes the tests without finding any faults it will post a nofaults code. Quote Selected
Re: 1986 Cougar 3.8 L won't idle. Reply #49 – June 23, 2020, 04:10:47 PM Trying to avoid going the same rabbit hole of two years ago.The starting point should be to use the tools that are built into the EEC.If the KOEO shows no fault codes and also no code 11 to indicate the test ran successfully. this is where the trouble shooting should begin. I don't know if you have ever run the self tests or if you are still relying on what the mechanic said 2yrs ago.If you are willing to acquire some basic tools. and willing to learn, I am willing to try to help. Quote Selected
Re: 1986 Cougar 3.8 L won't idle. Reply #50 – June 27, 2020, 03:31:03 PM Thanks for the advice. Is installing a new rebuilt computer a waste of time? Quote Selected
Re: 1986 Cougar 3.8 L won't idle. Reply #51 – June 28, 2020, 01:21:19 AM Why replace something if you don't know if its broken?I hate to say it, but there are really only maybe 6 wires the car needs powered up to run and there are really only a few critical sensors. The computer will tell you if things aren't working. If you don't want to check if the computer is working, I really don't see much point in trying to fix the car. It takes two minutes and a paper clip. Most 86's done have a check engine light, so we have to use a test light or a 12v buzzer or an buttstuffog volt meter. Quote Selected
Re: 1986 Cougar 3.8 L won't idle. Reply #52 – July 05, 2020, 01:24:57 AM The car has a check engine light but it doesn't work. I am not a mechanic. Is there a ASE master mechanic in the Dallas area in the group who can help me with this car? Quote Selected
Re: 1986 Cougar 3.8 L won't idle. Reply #53 – July 05, 2020, 02:43:40 PM You quite litterly only need a paper clip. https://youtu.be/9QSiS6wf7oUhttps://youtu.be/z0ehA8cFTkcThis is me pulling codes on an 87. I am using a volt meter to show how you can do it without the check engine light. Quote Selected
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