Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: Welsh Cat on April 07, 2016, 03:48:57 PM

Title: Engine cuts out when hot.....
Post by: Welsh Cat on April 07, 2016, 03:48:57 PM
Hi all, please can someone advise on an issue I'm having with my 87 XR7. It stalls when it's warm, especially when I change from park to reverse. Also cuts out when slowing down sometimes. Tick over is about 800rpm. Many thanks, Niki
Title: Engine cuts out when hot.....
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 07, 2016, 04:27:21 PM
Welcome :)

Have you had a chance to pull trouble codes? If not I would start there. All you need to pull codes is a paper clip if your car has a functioning check engine light. See the following link for information on how to pull trouble codes:
http://sbftech.com/index.php/topic,2471.0.html

Here is a link to what those trouble codes mean (your car will have the two digit variety of trouble codes):
http://sbftech.com/index.php/topic,849.0.html

Pull the codes and report back.
Title: Engine cuts out when hot.....
Post by: Welsh Cat on April 08, 2016, 01:21:16 AM
Great, thanks for the welcome and advice. Will let you know what I find. Cheers
Title: Engine cuts out when hot.....
Post by: Haystack on April 08, 2016, 02:59:09 AM
Here is a quick vid I took Koer test 1987 tbird: http://youtu.be/9QSiS6wf7oU
 You can use a test light, 12 volt buzzer, volt meter, just about anything. Record the codes on your cell phone so you can go back and reference it. Do the key on engine off test first, the figure out the codes, and then do a key on engine running test just like in my video.

Always run codes first. The computer can tell you if it has any major issues and point you to things you would never think about. Post up what you find here, and we will be happy to help in any way we can.


More likely then not, you will have a few broken vacuum lines that raise the idle of the car. Look out for any vacuum leaks and replace where ever possible. Once that is handled, do a base idle reset. It is super easy and only requires a single flat head screwdriver. You simply unplug the IAC (idle air controller, near the throttle body inlet) and idle the car down until it is barely running, then plug it back in, that's it! If it will not stay running, or idle does not change when plugged back in, it is likely either a bad IAC or dirty throttle body.