93 Taurus Won't Accelerate or Rev; computer or sensor?

[biggkid5]

Hi, couldn't find any similar posts...
1993, 3.8, only 40,000 miles. 'New' to me. Starts perfectly every time, runs and idles smoothly... until warmed up! Then when I press the gas, it does not 'go', or even rev up; check engine light comes on and stays on. To move, i must barely press the gas and can only accelerate very very slowly. Press harder and it seems to 'choke' itself. At idle or in Park, it begins running rougher and may stall. Strangely, when in Park it revs fine; Reverse seems OK, too [for accelerating]. Slight burning smell inside car after all this, though cannot find source [may be unrelated]. Just changed alternator-- old one had burn marks at the top screw. Any ideas??

[mikeemon]

Since the check engine light comes on, I would start by trying to the the computer to give up some trouble codes and go from there.

[shorod]

Since you have a 1993, that is an OBD-I system and you can pull the diagnostic codes yourself.

Sounds like you may have an issue with the electronic ignition module.

-Rod

[biggkid5]

Thanks guys. OK, I've had a diagnostic by an indie shop. They said "Idle air control valve". I changed it out, but the problem persists as soon as the car warms up. Described to Ford Dealer-- says could be lots of things... and a $100 diagnostic will start that off. Trying to avoid the dealer route due to costs. Aside from experience do dealers have extra specialized equip, or use same OBD-I as other shops?

[shorod]

When's the last time the car had a tune up consisting of spark plugs, plug wires, fuel filter, air filter, belts, hoses, fuel injector cleaner, etc.? If it's been awhile, then you should take the $100 that you could spend on a diagnostic fee and invest it in parts to perform the tune up.

Your symptoms sound like a misfire, and that could be due to the ignition module, plug wires, plugs, distributor system, or a vacuum leak. Could also be a fuel restriction.

The dealership will have somewhat specialized equipment, but will also have a pretty good database of common Ford issues.

-Rod

[gusvicmor]

Hi Rod... i'm Victor again. My 93 taurus
My car smell gas and the rpm go up and donw. What is the problem.
I'm remplace at sensor from the gmr or some similar name plus the air valve come from the engine.. plus the pvc valve. Only I can smell so much gas, and when I put en rev the engine start shaked. Any idea? Sorry for my english. It is hard for you undestand me, please let me know... I let my son writte the next time

[shorod]

I think you meant you've replaced the EGR valve sensor (also known as the DPFE) as well as the Idle Air Control (IAC) and the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve. Does that sound right?

Since you are smelling a strong odor of fuel and under load (in reverse) the engine shakes, I suspect that you have either a significant vacuum leak or you have a misfire. I'd suggest you start by inspecting the spark plug wires. Make sure they are in good shape and securely connected to both the spark plug and the source end (either distributor cap or coil pack).

Also, inspect the vacuum lines and the intake air tubing to make sure it is all securely attached. You won't want to drive this much in this condition because of the price of gasoline as well as the potential damage the extremely rich condition is doing to your catalytic converter.

-Rod