Idle issues on startup & consistent gas fumes in interio

MERCURY SABLE
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JIMSULLIVAN9
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2003 Mercury Sable GS, 68500 miles, 3.0L V6 (automatic transmission)

When I start my vehicle (hot or cold start), I notice a grinding noise associated with the starter. More than half of the time, a rough (spitting and sputtering) idle follows. The idle is very low and literally shakes the car. It seems that the engine could die at any time, but doesn't. I never get a 'check engine' light either. This condition typically lasts 30 seconds to 3 minutes, or until I push the accelerator (in park or drive) so that the engine reaches ~3000rpm or greater. Once the engine gets past this issue, the car runs fine. One source I spoke with thought it could be related to the idle solenoid on the starter sticking (not engaging the flywheel) or a temperature sensor. I'm not sure how accurate this might be.

On an unrelated issue, at any environmental setting (vent, a/c, heat) I use, I smell gas fumes. They are potent enough to cause health concerns and I have no idea why they are being directed as such (into the interior of the car).

Thank you for your help!
May 14, 2007 at 10:14 PM
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JIMSULLIVAN9
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The odor is exhaust, not raw gas. Would the starter be responsible for the idling issue? :?
May 15, 2007 at 6:43 AM
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JIMSULLIVAN9
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I took my Sable to the dealership, since it had a recall notice for an air filter element replacement. I had them run a diagnosis and they came up with a bad DPFE sensor. Since the part dealt with noticeable acceleration problems, I changed out the sensor. The fumes were supposedly caused by a bad PCV filter that was spilling oil exhaust into the vent system. I also had that replaced. They mentioned that the diagnosis also revealed that the check engine light was imminent, even though I had yet to see it illuminate. Are these plausible solutions or did they take advantage of my lack of knowledge? BTW, they claimed that the starter had no isues.

Thanks again!
May 21, 2007 at 12:16 PM
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