[dynamac]

Can an Idle control valve keep a 1988 mustang lx 4 cylinder from starting. The car cranks and occasionally starts for a few seconds. It has a new fuel pump and fuel pump relay. I don't know where to go next.

[jgorm]

I wouldn't think so. If it starts if you give it a little gas, then it may be possible. Check for fuel and spark.

[mg man 75]

Beside checking for spark and fuel. Could possibly have jumped time. If I had a wild guess I would say the TFI of side of distributor went bad. If it is bad and need to repace make sure to use heatconducting paste between it and distributor or you will get to do it again. Maurice

[NavySVO]

run for codes as well

[TOM RENZO]

IF YOU BELIEVE THE IAC IS NOT WORKING PULL IT CLEAN IT AND MAKE SHURE IT MOOVES IN THE BORE. IAC motors go bad from time to time and usually can be proven by starting the engine while holding the gas peddal down a bit. If it runs with the pedal depressed the IAC is not working. Other than that you have to trouble shoot a no run condition. FIRST step is CODES

[SVOcourier]

i agree with tom and navy, ive ssen iacs go bad and cause a no start issue. one way to check for sure is to unplug and remove the valve and block off the ports. u may have to raise the idle but if it starts and idles smooth then thats ur problem...thats if u dont have any definate codes

[SVOcourier]

ohh also beware the vam can cause that issue also...ive had both iac and vam go out at different times.

[dynamac]

Ended up with a bad ignition switch. Now the car starts and runs. But at idle it tries to shut down and has a tendency to surge. Is that an IAC valve?

[SVOcourier]

not guaranteed but that sounds like it would be...its a common thing for iacs to surge or cause erratic idle. make sure ur tps sensor is ok also