[Conv2.3]

Okay so some of you may know that I recently bought a mustang lx 2.3 and it has had problems with the fuel pump... got that fixed and it ran alright when i put in some fuel injector cleaner. Now the car is idling at 500 sometimes 300 and the car is almost about to stall. I am really getting tired of fixing this mustang... I'm 16 and I can't afford all this stuff. Any ideas why my idle is so low? Also cruising idle is at around 500-800. *SHOULD OF WENT WITH GM*

[Mustanq]

Have you tried adjusting your idle?

[Conv2.3]

No I don't know how do that.

[Mustanq]

There should be a screw by your throtle body, where the cable is. Turning it clockwise should raise your idle. Try to clean your throtle for possible carbon build up.

[redneck_ferrari]

dumb ? how full is the gas tank pls. tell me you didnt add the cleaner to a less than half full tank.

[Conv2.3]

The gas tank was half full and I added half the cleaner... please tell me that isn't bad!

[5.0Stanger]

Originally Posted by Mustanq

Have you tried adjusting your idle?

Are you kidding me? You never should touch the set-screw on the throttle body. If it looks like someone has touched it, then try to put it back to where it belongs. There's usually marking paint on the threads of the screw, to show if it's been tampered with. If it's still where it came, leave it alone.

At any rate, the factory tachometers are notorious for being inaccurate. Figure the tach is actually reading 100-200 rpm low.

Checking the timing belt tension would be a better bet. I noticed a respectable power increase and idle change, when I replaced the belt. Remember, if you change the belt, the crank sensor can get in the way. If you plan on changing it, send me a private message. I'll give you the tips to get around having to remove and reset the crank sensor. Messing the air gap up on that will not let the engine run too hot either.

[Mustanq]

I've always been told you can adjust your idle by doing so. Not sure if they're wrong or not.

[5.0Stanger]

Originally Posted by Mustanq

I've always been told you can adjust your idle by doing so. Not sure if they're wrong or not.

The IAC motor (Idle Air Control) does the adjustments to the idle. If it's clogged or sticking, it'll hamper the idle of the engine. An EGR valve that's sticking open, even a little bit, at idle will make the engine run rough at idle. EGR is only supposed to open off-idle.

[Conv2.3]

Could it be the o2 sensor?

[5.0Stanger]

Originally Posted by Conv2.3

Could it be the o2 sensor?

If you don't know when the O2 sensor was changed last, and the car is running rough, best to put a known good sensor and clear the KAM (keep alive memory). It could cause something similar to a low idle. But, usually, the O2 monitors the air/fuel after the sensor has warmed up. That, and when the engine temp is up to normal.