My 04 Ford Taurus will start, but when I left my foot off the accelerator it dies. What could be causing that

Question

If I can keep it running, the engine is very labored (not smooth at all).

This is a new car to me (I've had it 4 days) and the dealership is trying to be hands off about it. From the responses it doesnt sound like a serious problem but I will have to take it somewhere. It was inspected twice by Firestone and nothing mentioned about this. Should it have been?

Answer 1

Before you waste time and money have the vehicles computer scanned completely and this will get you a starting point

Answer 2

that's an electric powered situation. sparkling the battery terminals first. fee the battery, have the battery and charging device checked. both the charging device isn't starting to be adequate power, or the battery isn't storing it. With corroded terminals, the fee does no longer make it from the alternator to the battery. you should use baking soda and a broom, or once you're in a pinch, pour coke on the terminals. in case you do not splendid the unfavorable connections, you receives faulty readings at the same time as checking the alternator and battery. The connections are in all likelihood the in basic terms situation you've any way.

Answer 3

You know it's incredible how people who have no car knowledge chime in and think they have the answers.
First of all if you just bought this car take it back to the dealer!!!!!!!!!! check your paperwork, 30 day warrenty? jam it up their A** .... If not take it and have it scanned, most likely cause is Idle air control, but other sensors can play a role in stalling at idle.
Good Luck

Answer 4

Most likely answer... the mass air flow sensor. This sensor detects the amount of air entering the motor to approptiately combine theproper amount of fuel. If the sensor is incorrect (which is a very common problem) the computer will not deliver enough fuel to keep the car running.

Answer 5

You probably have a vacuum line broken or left off which is a common concern.
Also the idle speed motor is known for clogging up and causing this issue.. usually a replacement and throttle body cleaning to clear up...

If you had any work done within the last week on the vehicle (even oil changes) bring it back to that shop.. Sometimes hoses are accidently pulled off checking the air filter and can cause this issue (or even a clogged air filter)

Usually fuel filters and fuel pumps are more nortorious for going out while in a heavy load/heavy acceleration.

Best to bring it to a shop

Answer 6

Read all the advice here but first try this cheap check, sometimes water builds up in gas tank due to condensation in the winters.

Add 1 cup of Methyl Hydrate to your gas tank and see if this makes a difference, The methyl hydrate should absorb any water present.

If that diesn't work, follow the other advice

Answer 7

Not getting any fuel to the engine, probably a clogged fuel filter (check the filter first, always check the cheapest thing and work your way up) if that doesn't solve it, maybe it's a clogged line...or a fuel pump.

Answer 8

replace the mass air flow meter-it has nothing to do with fuel delivery if the vehicle is starting-either the mass air flow meter is bad(most common) or the idle air control valve is malfunctioning(not too common)

Answer 9

Many possibilities.

You'll need to get a diagnostic to determine exactly why.
However, the more common causes include:

Clogged Fuel Filter,
Clogged Fuel Injectors,
Bad Fuel Pump
Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator.
Bad Idle Adjustment

Answer 10

You need to read sensor outputs in real time, I suspect TPS (throttle position sensor) but most of the others could cause similar effect.