Starting/idle problem

93FORDTEMPO

MEMBER
1993 FORD TEMPO
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
48,000 MILES

My 1993 ford tempo has a problem with the idle and starting. Has new battery and alternator was tested and is in great condition. The car has only 48000kms but was sitting for a long time.
The starting problem is that if it isnt plugged in it will crank, but will not start the first time. The second time it starts no problem for sure. When plugged in there is no trouble.
The idle problem is that it will fluctuate a little bit once in a while but while ago after driving and puting it in park it went up to 3000rpm. Tried kicking it down and it worked to get it back to normal idle. That happened a couple of times. Have had no trouble with it since. Was told it could be possible idle air control valve.

5 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

You may have to put some miles on it before things settle down? You mentioned plugged in, which I only relate to the diesel version of this car. What outside temps are you driving in now? And since the odometer turns over at 99999 to 0, can you assume the low mileage? But ironically, I bought a tempo that had been sitting also and it had the same starting quirk of second time start. After quite awhile it went away though. 1 of my current vehicles does this in relation to cold weather. Quick tuneup for an aged tempo is spark plugs, distributor cap and coil wire/all.

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Thursday, December 23rd, 2010 AT 7:46 PM

93FORDTEMPO

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Outside temps here range from around -15 degrees celcius to -30 degrees celcius. What might you suggest for the problem with the idle?
Have put about 6000kms on it since I got it.(Will turn over at 99000kms to 100000kms. 48000kms original) Maybe extra clicks on it will help.

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Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 AT 3:52 AM

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

Was it made in canada? Do they put block/other heaters in them as standard equipment? Or is it an aftermarket product? When tempos sit, if there's any humidity where you are, the electrical connectors often corrode a greenish tint to the corrosion. And yes, the IAC valve can cause idle problems. It's an electro/mechanical unit.

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Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 AT 4:17 AM

93FORDTEMPO

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes, the car was made in Canada with the block heater as standard equipment. Maybe more kms on it will help. Have you looked into what might be causing the problem with your current vehicle? Yes there are many humid days here during the summer months.

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Sunday, January 2nd, 2011 AT 6:02 PM

FIXITMR