Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Crazy Idle Problems.. (Read 921 times) previous topic - next topic

Crazy Idle Problems..

Ok, so I just got an 84 T-Bird elan with the 5.0 from a friend, it has this weird idle problem where sometimes it revs like 2000rpm, then other times it wont hardly stay running, does anyone have any ideas on what to check on? thanks!

Crazy Idle Problems..

Reply #1 –
Pull codes.
Check for vacuum leaks.

Crazy Idle Problems..

Reply #2 –
Ok, I will check vacspooge lines tomorrow, I do not have a code reader for this vehicle, would it be throwing a code even if the CEL is not on?

Crazy Idle Problems..

Reply #3 –
Oh, you don't need an "official" code reader.

All you need is a short piece of wire (I keep one in the glovebox), and either a voltmeter, a test light, or just the CEL.

Plug in the wire, hook up your "indicator" (if any), get in the car,
turn the key to "On", and start counting the flashes.

This is code 31 (twice), the "separator", and code 11 (twice).

*.*.*...*.......*.*.*...*..........*..........*...*.......*...*

.

Death awaits you all with nasty, big, pointy teeth.

1988 5.0 Bird, mostly stock, partly not, now gone to T-Bird heaven.
1990 Volvo 740GL. 114 tire-shredding horsies, baby!

Crazy Idle Problems..

Reply #4 –
My '84 doesn't have a CEL.

Crazy Idle Problems..

Reply #5 –
Nice, thanks for the info! I will have to try it tomorrow, and I do have a CEL, it's on if the car is not on.. is there somewhere I can get a list of what different codes mean?

Crazy Idle Problems..

Reply #6 –
there is an idle control motor assembly to the front right of the CFI.

remove your air cleaner

plug off vac lines to air cleaner

start car

move the throttle linkage by hand and see if the plunger extends on the idle control motor assembly.  if not,, then its not working and or the wiring going to is is shot (usually at the 4pin connector.

you can adjust it more towardst he throttle stop so that the plunger is touching the flat paddle of the throttle linkage.  Once it is touching, it tweeks idle control ect.

at best case, try to spray wd40 along the plunger under the rubber cone shaped protective boot.

my diy link below has tips and tricks on the idle control if you need to look further.
 

Crazy Idle Problems..

Reply #7 –
Quote from: thetechie01;155395
Nice, thanks for the info! I will have to try it tomorrow, and I do have a CEL, it's on if the car is not on.. is there somewhere I can get a list of what different codes mean?


If you are talking about the red "Engine" light, that is not a CEL.
That indicates low oil pressure or engine overheating.

Post your error codes here. You will get help figuring out what they mean.