doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? December 14, 2016, 12:25:41 AM hey everyone!I have my 1987 Tbird, 3.8 auto. i bought it from a guy who only put a mile or two of city driving on it a day, and didnt do any maintenance on it, save for maybe an oil change in the last 5 years. I got it home, changed the oil, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter, fuel filter, and PCV valve. i also changed the IAC, because it was making a very loud buzzing noise.So, heres my issue.when i go to start the car cold ( like sitting overnight or sitting all day while at work) it takes several times to get it started, usually with me aiding it with the throttle. once i get it running, i need to give it some throttle to keep it running for a few minutes until i finally get it warmed up enough to drive it. once driving, it drives fine, cruises down the highway, and other than the occasional stall out, it drives fine. but not great.so, does anyone have any suggestions on where to look next? i noticed the the adjustable screw on the IAC bracket was recently cranked a whole bunch, so im sure the last owner screwed with it. is there a procedure to set it properly?any other suggestions? id love to get this thing running and driving reliably. Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #1 – December 14, 2016, 01:17:48 AM If your IAC is electrical (ICS) you will need a 5.5mm 7/32 drill bit.warm the car up switch off and put into test mode. ignition on do not start place the drill bit in the gap and adjust using the adjustment screw till the drill bit just fits without pushing in the contact sensor ignition off take out of test mode and fire up.i would also recommend pulling codes. Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #2 – December 14, 2016, 08:20:43 AM how do i put it into "test mode?" i did pull codes, none available, and i also tested fuel pressure. Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #3 – December 14, 2016, 11:10:56 AM When you pulled codes that is what I meant by test mode you can switch the ignition off once the ICS has retracted.i would run a compression test and check for play in your timing chain if you have no joy. Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #4 – December 14, 2016, 03:15:33 PM Any codes? Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #5 – December 14, 2016, 07:54:17 PM This. Codes tell you whats wrong. Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #6 – December 24, 2016, 12:08:31 AM No codes were stored, but i also saw no way to get into "test" mode. however, using the info you suggested, i was able to adjust the IAC to a somewhat closer vicinity to the correct position. Car now seems to fire up easier, it idles cold, and seems to run smooth through the powerband.i will see what cold start up is like tomorrow morning before work. Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #7 – December 24, 2016, 11:02:05 AM I use a papet clip to get "test mode".No codes mean the computer has no power. Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #8 – December 25, 2016, 12:10:29 AM sounds like i need to check fuses, i know in newer cars, there is a fuse that powers the OBD port. however, since using a scanner on these involves an external power source, i would think that it wouldnt be the same issue.The car still has a cold start issue, its a bit grumpy and takes a few tries in the morning, but after it is warmed up for a good 2-3 minutes, it seems fine. idle has improved, drivability has improved. im thinking there is a bit more adjustment needed, but it is still a very good improvement. is it bad that i sit there, look at it and ponder "cant i just tear it all off, put on a regular intake and a motorcraft 2 barrel?" It would solve so many issues for me, it seems. Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #9 – December 25, 2016, 12:56:16 AM Ive never owned a carbed car, and they scare the hell out of me to be honest.The code reader just beeps unless you have a fancy expensive one. Everything you can do with a code reader you can do with a paperclip and a test light or volt meter.Id ditch the code reader personally. Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #10 – December 25, 2016, 10:33:17 AM Google eec-iv codes. This will tell you how to pull codes without the code reader also check out diy stuff on this site. Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #11 – December 26, 2016, 02:35:47 PM Maybe this will help: Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #12 – December 26, 2016, 06:24:54 PM Quote from: bootleggers deluxe;458635sounds like i need to check fuses, i know in newer cars, there is a fuse that powers the OBD port. however, since using a scanner on these involves an external power source, i would think that it wouldnt be the same issue. There is no power in a OBD-I test port, scanner has to be self powered or have a battery connection... Some computers just won't communicate with the scanner, had that problem with my '93 lightning and the pocket sized scanner I used on my Bird... Using a OTC it was fine... You can call me lazy but chance I'd ever go back to counting blinks are zero & none...With a idle issue you need to be sure the base idle is up to spec... That's the idle speed without the ISC assisting... Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #13 – December 26, 2016, 08:12:12 PM Softtouch, that was extremely helpful, thank you. I will be doing that tomorrow morning.Tubrocoupe50, i would like to think my Blue point scan tool that is capable of doing both OBD1 and OBD2 would be capable enough to accomplish such things, however, i shouldnt always put my faith on whatever comes off that big white truck with red letters. You mentioned bumping the base idle up, where is the adjusting screw for that? i looked and got stumped. I think the idle seems a bit low, i would love to bump it up a bit. Ive been driving the car about 150 miles over the weekend, it has been a bit easier to start ( 2-3 attempts, instead of 15-20) but i still need to assist with a foot pump to get it going, and i need to hold a high idle manually with the gas pedal for a few minutes to get it properly warmed up before taking off. other than that, it seems to run flawlessly, it cruses nicely. I'd just like to get the hard start and idle issues sorted out. Quote Selected
doesnt idle cold, hard start, IAC adjustment? Reply #14 – December 27, 2016, 01:44:49 AM There is no "base idle adjustment" with the 3.8L CFI Idle Speed Control motor (ISC) system. Quote Selected
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