Car has been acting up when first starting for months and slowly getting worse. Now when I first start it, the car will run rough and die if I do not press the gas?

85

Asked by Will Jun 21, 2017 at 12:40 PM about the 1995 Lincoln Town Car Signature

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Also, when I put it in reverse especially to back up, it will die if I don't give it
gas. This is only when I first start the car though. When I get to the end of my
driveway coasting without giving it gas, it will die before I get to the end and I
have to mash the brake pedal hard to stop. I start it up again, hit the road and
for the first few feet it acts like it doesn't want to go, but once I get up to speed
it runs perfectly and smooth. Then when I come to a stop sign or light, if I have
to sit for more than 2 minutes it gradually starts to run rough again and dies
and I have to restart it. I'm so baffled because I've thought about several
options like the IAC, DPFE, Mass Air Flow, etc. but I really don't...DON'T have
extra money right now to just throw at the car. I do need it though and this is
really getting annoying. I tried to describe it as best I can so maybe someone
else has had this problem or has a good idea of what it is that sounds more
definite than 500 different "maybes." If anyone out there has a good idea of
what the problem is PLEASE give me your thoughts. I promise I won't judge
anyone who responds, but I'm hoping someone with the Ford 4.6 Liter engine
experience in the past can tell me something. It's gradually gotten worse and
worse and it needs my attention. HELP! Lol

4 Answers

7,445

Would start with the easy stuff first. New fuel filter, clean the throttle body, inspect/replace spark plugs. Clean out egr tube if applicable Yes the MAF can cause odd issues your having some people have tried cleaning with CRC cleaner with mixed results. If possible go to the local auto parts store and see if you can retrieve any stored codes. Most of my above suggestions would probably be well under $50.00 if you decide to do the work yourself . Good Luck!

2 people found this helpful.
85

Yeah I will be doing it myself. It could probably definitely use a tune up. I already tried to run the codes but it's had an O2 sensor code since I got the car. I don't think that's the problem with it though...I'm sure new ones would help the air/fuel ratio but I'm gonna try some of those things you suggested first. I appreciate the quick response. Thank you.

I had an issue similar to this and it turned out to be the mass air flow sensor. Took it apart and got the dust and what not out and put it back in and it's been running better for about 3 months.

260

Had that issue and with mine it was corrosion on the battery terminals, I cleaned them with club soda and a wire brush, issue went away , I went and got a new battery and changed the terminals and the issue stayed away.

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