'97 cougar, v6, fuel injected, occasionally cuts out at low idle. not overheating, not fuel filter. this happens most often when car is completely warmed up and in traffic or at stop lights. can keep it running by putting it in neutral and keeping rpm s up. has been happening, I m ashamed to say, for about a year. I am almost sure it is something simple, but I only know old carburated (sp?). engines. now is getting worse and happening, still intermittently, even at higher engines. I know it s dangerous and should not be driven until fixed. any ideas?
rather …higher rpm s …not “higher engines”
IAC is probably dirty and needs cleaning.
@knfenimore, …umm, what does IAC stand for?
IDlE Air Control valve. It usually is the problem when low idle is the problem and needs cleaning. Also, clean the MAF sensor. Use sensor safe cleaning spray. Are your plugs and wires are good?
yes. I believe plugs and wires are fine. car runs great, except when this happens. plugs were changed about 6months ago, just because it had been a few years, but the old ones looked fine. i will get out my Haynes manual and locate the parts you refer to, and thank you very much. oh and how should i clean the air control valve?
With the same sensor cleaner as the MAF.
thank you again
I would use throttle body cleaner for the IAC and throttle body
And I would use MAF sensor cleaner for the MAF sensor
thank you