'96 Tbird problems.

[Roach]

I've bought a '96 Tbird [3.8L V6] last year and it's had a few problems. Most I've fixed but some still occurring.

It's got a terrible idle problem that I just cannot figure out! The damn thing will surge down constantly until I put it in neutral or give it a little gas. It will bog down from the idle speed of 600, to 300ish for about half a second then back up at random intervals, sometimes the time in between is slower, sometimes faster.

I've changed everything on this thing, besides the normal tuneup of oil and filters, I've done the plugs and wires, seafoamed it [prior to tearing down the intake and cleaning the upper and lower by hand] I've replaced all rotten hoses, the pvc valve, air filter, fuel filter, injector cleaner-ed[ 3 times now] all upper intake gaskets, so much more. It still does this, but only after about 30mins of driving.

There's no leaks, there's nothing dripping. All gaskets are fine, no vacuum leaks either. I pulled a vacuum test on all the hoses I can find. The stupidest thing is that the damn thing doesn't even throw any codes!

The other problem is the suspension or steering is squeaking like a s-o-b. Everytime I turn the wheel it's a constant annoying squeal. I cannot figure out where it's coming from, but I greased up everything and no luck still. It's super annoying going through a parking garage.

I've been having these problems since I bought it, but the idle problem has lessened a-lot since I'm driving less for work. Still, the thing will do it if I run errands after work or something. Also, it stalled in reverse twice today, and I had to gas it to keep it from stalling out again.

It finally threw a pending code though! A P0141, malfunction of the bank 1 O2 sensor. I'm going to replace it altogether and see what happens. I'm at a loss with this thing and I never have time to work on it. Being a former mechanic and being stumped on this surprises me though.

If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them! I'm willing to try anything to make this thing stop stalling!

[sheila]

Does it have an iac?

[bmwides]

The steering squeal could be the power steering pump pulley/bearing. I had a car with a spun bearing and the thing would scream every time I'd turn regardless of direction


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[Roach]

Originally Posted by sheila

Does it have an iac?

Cleaned, replaced, same thing.

Originally Posted by bmwides

The steering squeal could be the power steering pump pulley/bearing. I had a car with a spun bearing and the thing would scream every time I'd turn regardless of direction


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I believe it's the suspension because if you sit on the hood and force the car down it squeaks too. I'm going to do a complete rebuild at somepoint on the front end.

[bmwides]

Any audio of the squeal?


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[Roach]

Not as of yet, I can get some later today or tomorrow if I have time.

I'm still more focused on the engine issues atm though.

[sousa632]

The squeal is your lower ball joints. If they are not greasable, you will have to replace them. My tbird had a horrible squealing but I had greasable lowers. Pumped grease in them and all is well. Have you ever replaced the lower/upper ball joints?

I can't help you with the idle issue cause mine had a 4.6 so it's a different beast.

[Breeves002]

What do the fuel trims look like? As well as fuel pressure.

[sousa632]

One other thought....... does it have a MAF sensor? If so when was the last time it was cleaned? I had all kinds of weirdness going on with my 4.6, cleaned the MAF and it helped out tons.

[Roach]

Originally Posted by sousa632

One other thought....... does it have a MAF sensor? If so when was the last time it was cleaned? I had all kinds of weirdness going on with my 4.6, cleaned the MAF and it helped out tons.

It does, it's recessed in a tube so I can't exactly see it, I forgot I was going to go ahead and clean that too. I'll do that and see how she runs.