87thunderbird problems starting

[Smaje]

I've got a 87 Thunderbird V8 5.1ltr. Lately I've been having problems with the car, when the car sat for a while it would start fine, but starting it again after driving (like going to the grocery store) it would start, and then once it would idle down turn off. If I would sit there long enough with my foot on the gas, eventually when it idled down it wouldn't turn off. The problem has gotten progressively worse to where a couple days ago sometimes it wouldn't even turn over. Driving it today for the first time today (its 95degrees out) The car started fine, but every time it would go to a stop it would stall. Any help is much appreciated, thank you in advance.

[97Bird]

Welcome to the forum Smaje. It sounds like you need to clean or replace the IAC. Remove the negative cable from the battery (being careful not to touch the positive terminal with the wrench while loosening the nut) and then remove the connector from the IAC. Remove the two bolts holding the IAC and you can remove and clean it. Spray electrical parts cleaner (tuner cleaner) into the two passages until the cleaner running out of it is clear. Also spray into where the IAC bolts too. If you have an air compressor handy, blow air lightly into all passages to dry out the cleaner. After the tuner cleaner has dried, reassemble in the reverse order. If you don't know what the IAC looks like then enter your car's info into the Autozone website and then in the upper right where is says Product search enter IAC. Hopefully cleaning it will solve your problem and doesn't cost much.

[Smaje]

Thank you 97bird for your response. I went ahead and replaced the IAC, and sprayed cleaner. It seems to be idling a bit better, but it still cuts off, it idles up and down like its trying trying to idle correctly but just ends up cutting off. So pretty much the same thing as before, just not as bad. Any other ideas? Thank you again

[97Bird]

Did you buy an aftermarket IAC? I've heard of people having problems with IAC's from Autozone.

[Smaje]

Thankyou 97bird. That's what it was. I guess with some parts you need to get the manufacturers.

[97Bird]

Glad to hear you got it fixed. Where did you buy the IAC that you had a problem with?

[Smaje]

Bought the IAC from Autozone.