1996 Bird Trouble Starting

Yesterday, as I attempted to leave after a quick trip to the store, I tried to start my car, but it stalled out before I could shift into reverse to back out on my parking spot. Tried again, and the same thing happened. The third time, I hit the accelerator hard as I turned the ignition and this time the car stayed running and I was able to make it home without a problem. I remember my Dad giving me that tip in the past, should my car stall

Anyone know what could be causing this? What should be looking at? I did get $20 of gas recently, so I don't think it's that. Any help would be appreciated!

V8 or V6?

v8 or v6?


a v6

Fudge... jumped on this as I have hard starting, and must keep foot on gas petal to keep it running. Won't idle for nothing. But it's a 96-4.6. Will keep MY eye on this post as it might be the fix for me also.

Fudge... jumped on this as I have hard starting, and must keep foot on gas petal to keep it running. Won't idle for nothing. But it's a 96-4.6. Will keep MY eye on this post as it might be the fix for me also.
Try cleaning or replacing the Idle Air Control (IAC) vavle.

youjean tod - I'm not familiar with the V6 but if there is an IAC valve
you might try cleaning or replacing it.

youjean tod - I'm not familiar with the V6 but if there is an IAC valve

you might try cleaning or replacing it.


Thanks, will give a look and try to clean tomorrow. Wish me luck, lol.

Having some trouble finding the IAC valve. Based on JR's response, it's possible that my car may not have it, so I could be looking in vain. But I took some photos under the hood, to see if someone can point me in the right direction, if it is there. Thanks!

http://www.boomspeed.com/kunosama23/P4150071.JPG
http://www.boomspeed.com/kunosama23/P4150072.JPG
http://www.boomspeed.com/kunosama23/P4150073.JPG
http://www.boomspeed.com/kunosama23/P4150074.JPG
http://www.boomspeed.com/kunosama23/P4150075.JPG
http://www.boomspeed.com/kunosama23/P4150076.JPG

After looking again, the only thing that looks close, based on pictures on the web, is the circled:


http://www.boomspeed.com/kunosama23/IAC.jpg

Is this it? Not sure I want to remove until I'm sure that's it, lol

Success, I wasn't sure what a IAC was... but 96 T-bird manual said can't be cleaned. must be replaced. Got the engine management & ignition part which worked like a charm. Singing " on the road again " Thanks for turning me on to the right path. Oh, mine was on the intake manifold, where 2.3L, 3.8L and 5.0L are on the throttle plate.

Got the engine management & ignition part which worked like a charm.

What exactly is this engine management & ignition part? Is it easy to buy?

It is what I got at auto zone when I asked for IAC valve for a 96 - 4.6 V8. Had the guy print out sheet on how to install. In very small print it shows what it is... but it replaces 3 different systems on the idling of the engine. Sorry but print out is way to small to read. ( tried reading glass and magnifying glass to enlarge ) You will get a different one as your's is a six cyl. My cost was was in the low $ 70.00 range. I went to Duralast on my computer to get a better idea but couldn't get a pull-up on the part. I know this is vage... but the results is a smooth 1ST. crank start-up, and a smooth idle decline from fast idle start.

It is what I got at auto zone when I asked for IAC valve for a 96 - 4.6 V8. Had the guy print out sheet on how to install. In very small print it shows what it is... but it replaces 3 different systems on the idling of the engine. Sorry but print out is way to small to read. ( tried reading glass and magnifying glass to enlarge ) You will get a different one as your's is a six cyl. My cost was was in the low $ 70.00 range. I went to Duralast on my computer to get a better idea but couldn't get a pull-up on the part. I know this is vage... but the results is a smooth 1ST. crank start-up, and a smooth idle decline from fast idle start.

Late, but thank you for response, got it!