erratic idling on '93 Mercury - cheap soution?

[Richard93102]

Hi,
I have an old Mercury Tracer, on it's last legs/wheels, so don't want to put any more money in than is necessary.
It runs OK, but when idling, the idle speed drops, so you think it'll cut out... but so far it hasn't.
Any easy/cheap ideas?
Many thanks,
Richard

[bluevp00]

Try to see if your car has an idle speed control screw. I know Honda's have them, but don't know if many other cars do. It's usually located on or near the throttle body. Set it only as high as it needs to go to, setting it too high will use too much fuel.

If there is no idle adjuster, then try tossing in a bottle of fuel injector cleaner. It sometimes helps a lot.

[curtis73]

Get a multimeter and check the coolant temp sensor. Also check whatever components control timing. Often times the MAP sensor, ignition module, or other component malfunctions causing the timing to go back and forth. Double check all the vacuum lines.

So far that's free. But if you have to replace one it should only cost $20.

[Richard93102]

thanks for the quick replies!
Apparently it doesn't have an adjusting screw... but the idea of a fuel injector cleaner sounds like a good idea...
Re. the coolant temp. sensor... it may have something to do with that, as the car leaks coolant (big-time)...
I don't know what the sensor looks like, nor the other things mentioned - I'm no mechanic - but I'll have a look...
Richard

[jveik]

check pcv valve, it never hurts to check lol

[Richard93102]

thanks for the advice, guys!