Idle? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

ColterDC · 02-28-2011, 14:04

My 96 mustang idles at 500 rpms, which seems kind of low and from what I've read it should be around 700.

What can I do to get it to the correct idle, if 500 is to low? Is it simply a computer problem that only a dealership can fix?

Thanks,

**Bert** · 02-28-2011, 15:22

The IAC sets the idle speed. Here's what the throttle stop adjustment is like. Ford Mustang Base Idle Reset

tdpower · 02-28-2011, 15:56

Maybe someone did the IAC mod: IAC Restrictor Gasket Trick Guide - MustangForums.com

You probably just need to adjust it like Bert posted. Maybe a programmer or tune installed on the PCM could cause this as well. Just throwing out some more ideas. My 2001 idles around 700 rpms.

Sterling_Six · 02-28-2011, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bert

The IAC sets the idle speed. Here's what the throttle stop adjustment is like. Ford Mustang Base Idle Reset

Hmmm that looks the same Throttle Body on my 99 Escort.

ColterDC · 03-01-2011, 07:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bert

The IAC sets the idle speed. Here's what the throttle stop adjustment is like. Ford Mustang Base Idle Reset

Yeah someone told me it might be an IAC problem, so I replaced the IAC unit last weekend. Still idled the same.

I'll try resetting the idle as you mentioned.

ColterDC · 03-02-2011, 12:38

I assume when it said "Disconnect the plug going to your idle motor" in that article you linked Bert, that it's referring to the plug into the IAC unit?

**Bert** · 03-02-2011, 14:51

That's correct. The IAC plug.

ColterDC · 03-03-2011, 11:34

Ok, thanks. Wasn't sure because after unplugging the IAC the car would start, but then die within 5 seconds. Had to give it some gas to get it to finally stay running long enough to adjust that screw. Even then it ran rough as crap the whole time I was adjusting that screw.

Even after screwing that threaded rod "out" as far as it would go the car is still only idling at 550.

Also I probably should have initially clarified that the car idles around 700-800 when in park, but only at 500 when in drive with foot on brake.

**Bert** · 03-03-2011, 15:57

Those idle speeds are pretty normal.

ColterDC · 03-03-2011, 16:18

Ok, I'll certainly trust you Bert.

Was just concerned that the mustang idling at 500 is lower than all my other cars that idle around 700 with the vehicle in drive.