2001 Ford Taurus Fluttering While Idle or Stopped

AMCFADGE

MEMBER
2001 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
76,500 MILES

Good morning. I have a Ford Taurus with 76,500 miles, and I am beginning to experience a violent flutter with the vehicle while it's idle (whether it's in park or if I'm waiting using my brakes). At times it feels like the car may cut off trying to hold an idle status, but it'll begin bucking and stay on. I began seeing signs of this problem sparsely if I go without driving the vehicle a day or more. When I'd cut it on, it would rev up and would flutter for about 3-5 seconds (like it's doing now) then rev up as normal. However, it's beginning to happen now everytime I'm stopped or in park. Do you have any idea what the problem might be?

Friday, March 6th, 2009 AT 7:23 AM

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

You may have a vacuum leak, get a can of spray throttle body cleaner, spray the vac lines and maniflod area, when the idle changes, youve found the leak! You want the engine running and spray on the outside but do direct the stream onto the hoses, if it is a vacuum leak, the engine idle will change speed, then you have detected a leak, repair the vacuum leak and see how it runs! If that doesnt do it, you may need a new idle air control valve, it's bolted to the throttlebody.
Clean the throttle body with the cleaner and a rag, with the engine off.