Every once in a while, my car will not want to start. When I turn the key, it doesnt have a problem turning over, but it won't stay running once it does. It either dies immediately, or if I give it some gas, it will run, but as soon as I let off the gas it dies. If I turn the key all the way off, and then try to start it, it usually works normally again. What would be causing this?

Also, is there a time period after which you should replace your spark plugs? My car has 53K on it, and I was wondering if I replaced my plugs (maybe wires too) it would run any better?

 

It wouldnt be a bad idea to change plugs and wires, but are escort had a similar problem and it was a bad coil. I would look into that or any kind of vacuum lines.

 

yeah, it's either fuel, spark or vaccum

 

hmm, exactly how much of a bitch is it to change the plugs?

 

On a 4.6 it is about a 1 - 2 hour job. I can probably do mine now in about 30 minutes if I don't hit a snag, but I have done them many times. Not sure about the 3.8.

There are a lot of things that could cause the stalling issue, but to me it seems as if your IAC could be hanging up and remaining shut. This worries me a bit in that even if it were to stick closed, you should not die, but come close to dying.

If I were you, I would start by pulling the IAC and cleaning it with intake cleaner. Then, install and try it.

If the IAC is stuck shut, you will not get air to bypass the TB and the car will die...or nearly die.

I don't think it is ignition related or the problem would not come and go.

The fact that you can give it some gas and it will run is also a clue that it could be the IAC.

 

Well, I'm not exactly the mechanic I wish I was...so, this probably wouldnt be something I could do unless I had specific instructions.

Do you think that I would gain anything from r eplacing my plugs/wires even if they werent the starting issue?

 

Your plugs and wires are good to 100k miles if I recall. However, changing them at 50k is not a bad idea. The rubber on the wires can get cracks in them and cause trouble. It is an easy thing to do and some nice after-market wires can look cool too.

If you are a noobe to changing plugs, have someone do it that knows what they are doing. Plugs are simple enough, but you can ruin a motor if you are not careful.

Now, if you decide to upgrade to an MSD ignition, that might actually gain a few hp for you.

Cleaning the IAC is simple.....easier then the plugs. The IAC is located on your intake near the throttle body. Perhaps someone with a V-6 can post a photo. It has two screws on it and a wire harness. You pull the harness and remove the two screws. Then, spray intake cleaner liberally in the inside and soak it real good for about 15 minutes. You will see lot of black carbon being removed. Then, spray it again.

Re-install being careful to watch the thin gasket and you are good to go.

If you don't know what the IAC is (Idle air controller), go to an auto parts store and ask for one for your car. They will pull one from the shelf.

On the 6'er the IAC looks like the one on the V-8, just in a slightly different spot.

 

plugs and wires are easy on our cars, 20min job. . .

As for your problem i would be on it being something vacum related, or your throttle not clossing all the way, or your throttle position sensor being off.

 

A vacuum leak can cause the car to die. But, vacuum leaks generally don't come and go. You either have one, or you don't have one. If the TB is not closing all the way, you will have the opposite problem. The car will rev too high, or "hunt". This is when the rpms go up and down.

An issue with ocassionaly could involve the IAC. I would not rule out a vacuum leak....you should look for one by checking all your hoses. But, if you clean the IAC (which is pretty simple) it is an easy thing to rule out.

The job of the IAC is to allow air to by-pass the TB when the car is at idle. That is all it does. If it does not open, the car will not idle.

If you car is running at idle and you unplug the IAC, and the base TB is set correctly, the car will stumble and idle like it wants to die, but it should keep on running.

The fact that your car is dying, would suggest to me that you have at least two problems if the IAC is involved. Such as, sticking IAC, with a TB that needs adjustment. Or, we are not hearing the whole story. If I find out that the car nearly always idles rough but only dies ocassionally, then I would strngly suspect the IAC.

Keep in mind, internet diagnosis is not easy.

 

If it was a spark issue and one of the terminals had a miss you would definitely hear it. As for your problem..I would suggest changing the plugs/wires every 50k miles because you will get better gas mileage cuz most likely your plugs will have some where and not produce enough spark. EASY A 30-40 min job there. The IAC is a piece of cake to do.