1997 Ford Thunderbird LX Logo
Posted on Jul 08, 2012

My 1997 ford thunderbird stalls, idles rough, backfires, and has trouble accelerating

My thunderbird stall while idling, idles rough, has trouble accelerating and backfires when you accelerate (which I describe as more of a popping). The mass airflow sensor was replaced last year when it did almost the same thing but we were told that part is fine...I was also told it smells like its running "rich"

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  • Posted on Jul 08, 2012
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It could be as simple as your spark plugs, they may need to be checked for proper gaping and also check to make sure plugs are installed properly, could also be your timing might be off, could also be the throttle position sensor, these could all be effecting the fuel to air ratio, I would start with the easiest problem 1st......hope this was of some use to you.....

5 Related Answers

Molson02536

Harvey N Tawatao

  • 3854 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 09, 2009

SOURCE: 2001 ford explorer sport,6 cylinder,rough idle and

If there is a Auto Zone around your area, have them scan the Explorer for any DTC codes since it's fee of charge. But in the mean time buy a can of MAF cleaner and follow the instructions and also buy a can of Trottle body cleaner and follow the instructions on the can. Clean the MAF and the Throttle body, also try to get the Idle Air Control falve cleaned too which is on the throttle body. So use up the whole can of Throttle body cleaner and it would not hurt to use two cans. Once everything is cleaned that should fix the problem, the other thing to that would cause your poor idle and stalling is a bad or dirty EGR valve which can be cleaned with Carburetor cleaner since it's stronger then the Throttle body cleaner, just remove the EGR and spray the Carbon build away and place back in place. Note: the Carb cleaner is to strong for the gaskets used on the throttle body so don't use it on the throttle body. Good luck and this should help get your Explorer running 100% soon.

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Anonymous

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  • Posted on Jul 15, 2009

SOURCE: 88 Ford Econline E250 Trouble idling when. Keeps

Sounds like a broke vacuum line somewhere check them all by removing the end of each vacuum line and inspecting the ends of the hoses replace as needed

Anonymous

  • 5 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 02, 2009

SOURCE: 1987 F150 rough idle, stalls, smells rich

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Anonymous

  • 104 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 20, 2009

SOURCE: I have a 1995 ford taurus engine stalls when

Start with smaller problems and check the fuel pressure regulator, the mass air flow sensor for these vehicles is pretty pricy. Is the check engine light on? If so, head to your nearest auto zone and have them check for trouble codes. If the check engine light isn't on, its not likely your mass air flow sensor

Anonymous

  • 24 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 29, 2010

SOURCE: My 1998 Ford Explorer runs rough under hard acceleration

New plugs and wires?

Double check to make sure that you've got the routing and firing order right... if you have 2 switched, the car may still idle well but then pop and sputter on harder acceleration.

The next step would be to run some "Complete Fuel System Cleaner"... If that's the problem, you should see results within 20 miles or so.

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