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I drive a 2001 Ford Taurus SES... overall, no trouble.
Sent to Car Experts March 27 08:46 PM

I drive a 2001 Ford Taurus SES... overall, no trouble. Lately, it's doing something weird... start it after work ~ pick up kids ~ get to destination (home, grocery store, pharmacy, whatever)... car shut off for 20-30 minutes and won't stay started after... starts but dies. Leave it alone overnight, starts right up. I can hear the fuel pump starting up and it's only about 3 years old (even though the car is 6 years old). I've been to my regular mechanic ~ says he can't find anything wrong. Obviously, there's something wrong. Thanks, Cari

 

Optional Information:
2001 Ford Taurus SES 6-cylinder

Already Tried:
mechanic said twice there was nothing wrong w/it... not sure what to try

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Info Request
March 27 8:58 PM (11 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
Hi there! Do you have a check engine light on?

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carguy1 -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1645 Car Accepts
25years experience,certified subaru technician,Nissan factory trained
Reply
March 27 9:01 PM (3 minutes and 18 seconds later)
         
Reply to carguy1's Post: Yes, now that you mention it. Ok, let me see if I can explain. It's been on forever. It's from the gas gauge not working ~ one day, I actually ran out of gas on the freeway! Anyway, it's probably the floater inside the tank that's causing the engine light to come on. I've had that checked and it's always the same code. Now what? :)
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 27 9:09 PM (7 minutes and 27 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
I think you either have a problem with the Idle Air Control motor or a coolant temp or intake air temp sensor.The IAC controls the cars idle based on inputs from the coolant temp and intake air temp sensors.What happens is the IAC pintal gets sticky and can't always adjust the way it should.Usually you can remove it and clean it up with carb cleaner reinstall it and if the car runs better,replace it.It only sets a code if it has a broken wire or the motor itself shorts out.The other 2 are possible because they won't set a code very often either.They help the computer get the mixture right.If they think it's cold when it's really hot then the mixture will be to rich,hot when cold then the mixture is to lean and the car will have a tough time starting.Hope this helps!Thanks

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carguy1 -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1645 Car Accepts
25years experience,certified subaru technician,Nissan factory trained
Reply
March 27 9:13 PM (4 minutes and 12 seconds later)
         
Reply to carguy1's Post: Awesome! How do I find the sticky thing and clean it?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 27 9:18 PM (4 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

You need to look for a small motor type devise attached to the throttle body.Here is a picture that should give you an idea of what to look for.Make sure you clean the throttle body as well.This is from a different yearbut the same idea applies.

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Fig. 3: IAC valve mounting-3.0L OHC (4 valve) engine

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Fig. 4: Detach the IAC valve connector

 

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Fig. 5: The IAC valve is retained by two bolts

 

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Fig. 6: Remove the two IAC valve retaining bolts and...

 

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Fig. 7: ... remove the IAC valve from the intake manifold

 

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Fig. 8: Thoroughly clean the IAC valve mounting surfaces

 

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Fig. 9: Always use a new IAC valve gasket when installing the IAC valve onto the intake manifold

 

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

  2. Remove the air cleaner inlet tube and the throttle cover, if necessary.

  3. Disconnnect the wiring harness from the IAC valve.

  4. Remove the two retaining bolts.

  5. Remove the IAC valve and discard the old gasket.

To install:

  1. Clean the gasket mating surfaces thoroughly.

  2. Using a new gasket, position the IAC valve on the throttle body.

  3. Install and tighten the retaining bolts to 71-106 inch lbs. (8-12 Nm).

  4. Connect the wiring harness to the IAC valve.

  5. If removed, install the air cleaner tube and throttle cover.

  6. Connect the negative battery cable.



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carguy1 -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1645 Car Accepts
25years experience,certified subaru technician,Nissan factory trained
Reply
March 27 9:20 PM (2 minutes and 18 seconds later)
         
Ok, so do you need me to print these instructions for you, or will you bring your own copy? LOL Thanks a million ~ this is SO cool. I'll give it a shot.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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