95 Dying While Idling

[phipps]

I have a 95 Taurus with the 3.8L engine. Lately it has been dying when you are sitting at a light or stop sign. It also dies after 5-10 minutes when Im warming it up in the mornings. It immediately restarts without any problems. It seems like it is idling low.

Is there an idle speed sensor that might be bad? What do I need to be checking?



Thanks,


Gary

[shorod]

Is it idling smoothly or is it pretty rough? If rough you might have a vacuum leak. When was the last time the spark plugs and wires were checked/changed?

You should also check the throttle plate to see if it is covered in carbon on the back side. If so, get some STP Throttle Body Cleaner and clean it. With the engine running turn the A/C or defroster on and see if the engine speed increases. If so, the Idle Air Control servo is working.

Your EGR valve could also be sticking partially open which could cause stalling at idle. The EGR valve should be completely closed at idle.

-Rod

[phipps]

I drove the car tonight (my son usually drives it) and it seems to idle fine with the occassional hiccup, of course I expect that with 160,000 miles on it.