Ward

I have a 2003 Ford Taurus that is doing two things:
1. When you turn the AC on there is a loud noise coming from the engine.
It does eventually stop.

2. When the engine is in drive and idle at a stop sign or stop light, the
RPM go really low like the engine is ready to stall.

There two items maybe related. Any ideas on what to check and how to fix
it.

Thanks

lugnut

On Tue, 14 Jun 2005 11:50:52 -0400, "Ward"
<sward65@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I have a 2003 Ford Taurus that is doing two things:
>1. When you turn the AC on there is a loud noise coming from the engine.
>It does eventually stop.
>
>2. When the engine is in drive and idle at a stop sign or stop light, the
>RPM go really low like the engine is ready to stall.
>
>There two items maybe related. Any ideas on what to check and how to fix
>it.
>
>Thanks

A dirty IAC is a common problem causing this. Many times,
it can be removed and cleaned to return it to normal
operation. It may also require replacement if it is really
bad and you have no patience to clean it. It will not
always set a fault code in the system. Ford dealers and
many well equipped independants have scanners that can test
the function of the IAC along with the rest of the system.
A new Ford IAC will set you back just under $100US for the
part. Is usually easy to remove/replace. Most shops will
charge an hour or so lable to run a diagnostic plus whatever
time is allowed by the book to replace. At shop labor
rates, cleaning is not usually cost effective. BTW, a
complete diagnostic scan may uncover other irregularities
that should be attended. Now, if you car has less than 50K
miles on it, let the dealer take care of your problem under
the emissions warranty. No muss, no fuss! BTW, the noise
you hear is probably belt idlers and other things that
normally make noise under these conditions. The a/c clutch
is also probably going bonkers because of the erratic idle
as it should.

Good luck
Lugnut