micahk2

I have a 2000 Mustang V6 3.8L. Lately, I have been having some issues with the car running properly. The problems are quite odd and inconsistent, so Im completely clueless, but here they are:

The car will (sometimes) die during idle. Usually, it's only if I idle for a long time, a long time being about 30 seconds or more. If I give it a little gas, it doesn't die.

The car will also (sometimes) die immediately once I turn on the Defrost/AC. To me, this sounded like a compressor issue, but as noted before, it is also inconsistent. It usually only dies when I'm in low revs, but will sometimes die when I'm in higher revs.

I'm not sure if this has ANYTHING to do with what is going on, but it's weird so I'll note it:

I recently installed some Halo headlights on the stang (they look great ). Anytime that my car is about to die or sometimes just completely randomly, the right headlight will go out completely. On my dash, the arrow for the right turn signal will light up and stay on, and the light that comes on when your high-beams are on lights up a little bit. If I touch the wiring on the back of the headlight, it will fix.

I'm sorry if this description is kind of terrible, but it is very hard to describe what exactly is going on. I'm hoping that you guys won't be as clueless as I am.

Thanks

micahk2

I just noticed that I posted this in the wrong section. My apologies for that . A move would be appreciated!

cliffyk

Regardless of where you posted it, 99.44% of the time problems such as you describe are a failing/failed Idle Air Control (IAC) valve...

micahk2

This is what me and my dad were assuming. We were debating whether it was the IAC or the fuel pump (trying to rule one or the other out). The main problem we've been having like I said was the inconsistency. I appreciate the input. Probably going to be spending my tax refund fixing this

disposablehero27

Iac is cheap. Start there. Q-tips and somethin to clean it with. If that doesnt work. Replace it. Not expensive. If that doesnt work then look elsewhere

russman113

When was the last time you replaced your fuel filter, if at all? Any CEL?

micahk2

Ah ok. I was assuming it would be pretty expensive to fix sense it seems like a pretty important part. If the iac isn't the problem, I'd be completely baffled.

I actually just recently replaced the fuel filter to see if it would help any with this situation. Didn't help one bit, all the filter DID need a good changing

russman113

Yea I suggested the fuel filter because my 98 gt was recently having stuttering, bad idle and I lost some power, also had a CEL for both banks running lean. Changed out the filter and all was good.

If the IAC is not the problem, check your vacuum lines for any leaks.

micahk2

Actually checked that, as well. Put a smoke machine on it and had no luck. The more we talk, the more it is looking like the IAC. I'd much rather that than something else, though. Was looking at parts online and it's only about $90, and that's IF I have to change it as opposed to cleaning it.

russman113

Yea sometimes you can get away with cleaning them out and they are good as new. Good luck man