94 Ford Probe GT idle question.

Sometimes when at a stop light or parking my car I see the "Fuel Cutoff" light kinda flicker in and out very dimly. I am being told by the original owner (of 11 years) that it has always done that. Also, I am noticing (sp) that every now-and-then the engine will rev once to just about 1K RPMs from about 500-700 RPMs. I think this is just for keeping the engine at temp possibly. One last question, my oil pressure is around the tail end or the "Normal" scale. It is usually just above or right on the "L". However, when I give it gas or am drving it is well within the Normal range. Should this be a concern for me? I know that the car just got a full tune-up in late August-Early Sept, so everythinf should be running like butter still. It has been babied all its 12 year life, and still smokes those new fangled Acura RSX Type S-es driven by cool high school kids. Even handles corners better than my buddy's 98 SVT Cobra (prolly due to hight/wieght).

Hello:

I have been working on my father in law's Probe GT and am familiar with some of the Ford products (Chevy guy!!) Anyway, the fuel cutoff light sounds like you may have a loose connector in the rear hatch, where that switch is located (left rear panel). The switch could just be going bad or you may have gotten some water in the hatch area from a worn weather seal that is shorting out the switch. Also, pull out your spare tire and see if there is any signs of moisture in the spare tire well.

About the fluctuating idle -- it sounds like you need to clean out the TB, IAC and MAF. While you're at it, you may as well perform a mini tune up and at least check the air filter, fuel filter, PCV and spark plugs to make sure they are clean and working correctly. There are several posts about what products to use.

If your IAC is clogged with carbon or your MAF is dirty, the computer won't be able to read the correct air fuel mixture to give the proper idle. Also, you mentioned the "car may be trying to adjust the temp of the engine." If you clean out the upper intake components and the idle problem still exists, you may have a dirty connection on the ETS (engine temp sensor) or dying sensor. Try cleaning the connector and if it still gives you a problem, you might consider replacing it, depending on how many miles are on the car.

Good luck!!

Check your alternator belt and have your alternator tested. Mine did the same thing at stop lights when it rained and I had the rear defroster on. I replaced the belt and it's been fine. For a 12yr old car it could just be the alternator starting to croak.

For the idle, yes, clean the IACV and throttle body. Check the air filter, PCV valve. Make sure you don't have any broken air hoses. If it still does that, check your cooling system for leaks (radiator, water pump).

I wouldn't worry about your oil pressure sensor. The 94's and up uses a dummy sensor so it isn't very accurate. Our Probe's tend to read low anyways I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure you use a QUALITY oil filter (Motorcraft, Napa, Wix, Mobil1, Purolator, etc, etc) and check your oil regularly if you use or leak oil. My '93 has a real sensor and it goes right down to the low area when idling sometimes. No worries :)