Rough Idle

i have a 2000 mercury cougar v6 automatic. . .the check engine light is on and telling me it is running lean, and while at idle it acts like its ready to stall out or bucks real bad. this only happens for like 4 or 5 days then for like 2 days it doesnt do it. . .does anyone know what this could be? it gives a whole list when its hooked to the computer but im not really looking to go through and replace a million things for 1 problem, please help me out here

i have a 2000 mercury cougar v6 automatic. . .the check engine light is on and telling me it is running lean, and while at idle it acts like its ready to stall out or bucks real bad. this only happens for like 4 or 5 days then for like 2 days it doesnt do it. . .does anyone know what this could be? it gives a whole list when its hooked to the computer but im not really looking to go through and replace a million things for 1 problem, please help me out here

vacuum leak.

vacuum leak.

i know that but what do you think needs to be replaced? like i had it checked out but i dont think its any hoses or anything. . .

i know that but what do you think needs to be replaced? like i had it checked out but i dont think its any hoses or anything. . .
if your check engine light is on take it to autozone and get the engine codes then e-mail me at [email protected]

[QUOTE=mikecox1] i have a 1999, had the same problem.....outcome was the intake manifold gaskets were bad, some said that the idle air control was bad but they were wrong e-mail me at [email protected]
i will get you back on the road

[QUOTE=mikecox1] i have a 1999, had the same problem.....outcome was the intake manifold gaskets were bad, some said that the idle air control was bad but they were wrong e-mail me at [email protected]
i will get you back on the road


i had it checked out and its saying bank1 lean, its not the o2 sensors the way its running it def has to be some type of vaccum leak, about how much did it cost to get the gaskets replaced? and im guessin it was a pain in the ass since its such a confined space. . .let me know

thanks again

I am in the process of replacing mine now. Their are two sets of gaskets for the intake. An upper and lower for each side. So far it has not been too bad except for the fuel lines. I am going to post a question about the fuel lines soon. The fuel lines are plastic covered by the normal hose type fuel line. I had to cut mine to get them off. Now can I replace with just the normal fuel line or do I need to go to ford and buy OEM type.

If you saw my earlier posts, I was having the same issue. After tearing it down to replace the gaskets, I found that the linkage had come loose that moves the flaps inside the intake for 4-5-6. I was getting the same codes as you. The linkage is held together by a piece of plastic and it is some how missing.

i had it checked out and its saying bank1 lean, its not the o2 sensors the way its running it def has to be some type of vaccum leak, about how much did it cost to get the gaskets replaced? and im guessin it was a pain in the ass since its such a confined space. . .let me know

thanks again

replacing the UIM gaskets is about a 20 min job. If your replacing the LIM gaskets as well, it takes about an extra 5 mins.

. . .the check engine light is on and telling me it is running lean, and while at idle it acts like its ready to stall out or bucks real bad. this only happens for like 4 or 5 days then for like 2 days it doesnt do it. . .

my 99 is doing the same thing, except its gotten worse over time. Now it wont stay running unless I keep my foot on the gas the whole time while driving. I had codes that said "lean exhaust on bank 1 & 2". I've already rebuilt the alternator, replaced air intake hose, mass air flow sensor, air coolant sensor, and fuel filter, and had the EGR port cleaned. I've also been having problems with the LED displays on the dash, and the battery getting weak. How do you find out for sure what the deal is?

. . .the check engine light is on and telling me it is running lean, and while at idle it acts like its ready to stall out or bucks real bad. this only happens for like 4 or 5 days then for like 2 days it doesnt do it. . .

my 99 is doing the same thing, except its gotten worse over time. Now it wont stay running unless I keep my foot on the gas the whole time while driving. I had codes that said "lean exhaust on bank 1 & 2". I've already rebuilt the alternator, replaced air intake hose, mass air flow sensor, air coolant sensor, and fuel filter, and had the EGR port cleaned. I've also been having problems with the LED displays on the dash, and the battery getting weak. How do you find out for sure what the deal is?


mine is currently in the shop, and i am having the intake manifold gaskets replaced, i got a good deal on the parts and labor are gonna cost me about 150. . .as for the other things at around 70,000 miles the fuel pump and the alternator go. . .usually when its cold out the dash lights get really dim while at idle, no clue on that one just a common problem. . .as soon as i get this fixed im gonna be selling mine shortly after with 82,000 on it. . .hope this helps

labor are gonna cost me about 150. .

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I think the stealership just found a new best friend.