Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting SVT won't idle - starts, then dies

I'm not really sure even where to start in diagnosing this - but I need it to work so I can get to work today! Car is a 99 SVT with 80k miles on it.
Here is what happens:
Turn the key - engine turns over, high pitched squealing noise like the starter doesn't disengage, car dies.
If I hold the gas pedal down slightly when I turn the key the car starts right up, still has the "starter not disengaging" sound, but it will idle as long as my foot is on the gas pedal. As soon as I let off the gas the engine dies.
The car did this once before, but on the third attempt at starting it it ran fine.

No CELs or anything - I'm going to hook up the OBDII scanner just to check anyway...

Any suggestions on where to start with this?

Try cleaning the IAC valve.

IAC cleaning
from Ray's UIM/LIM how to in Duratec Maintenance how to.

"Replacing the IAC gasket:
(From IAC faq)
Over time, the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve becomes sticky due to buildup from the EGR and PCV systems. It can stick partially open such that idle quality is adversely affected, and engine RPM's will not drop below 1500. For a while, blipping the throttle will restore normal idle, but this only works for so long.

The fix is to remove the IAC valve by unbolting the two 8mm bolts that hold it on and disconnected the wiring plug. If you are careful enough, replacement of the gasket will not be necessary. The gasket costs less than US $1.00, so it is no tragedy if you destroy it. Once the valve is off, spray it out with some carb/intake cleaner and make sure any gunky residue is gone. Reattach, and you are done. It is a lot cheaper than a new IAC, which runs around US $70. Note: Ford claims the IAC cannot be cleaned, but this is not true in my experience." Ray.

Thank you for the fast answer.

IAC valve is the one that is on the drivers side of the engine against the firewall right? The reason I want to be sure is that i just checked at the bolts are 10mm on it, not 8mm like the directions there said.

Fourth picture.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=v6maint&Number=931756&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=186&fpart=1

Thanks todras - I was looking at it saying "that looks like an idle speed control valve... but the bolts aren't 8mm..."

Problem is solved... that fixed it. I'll tell ya I feel like a complete moron, because if it had been my XR4Ti I would have figured that out in about 2 minutes on my own... "No idle - check vacuum lines... vacuum lines are OK... must be idle speed controller..." Duh!

Anyway, thanks guys! I missed my workout, but at least I can get to work!

Thanks Tony2005! Posted my other "thanks" before I saw your post.

Always clean the throttle body when you clean the IAC so it will stay clean longer.

Mine just did this today too. I cleaned the IAC a few weeks ago, though. What about the sound the starter makes? i plan to get that looked at very soon. hopefully no damage to the flywheel. once the car warms up the idle is fine. does this have anything to do with the colder weather? why did it do that since i cleaned the iac valve not too long ago? do i need to clean it again?

"What about the sound the starter makes? i plan to get that looked at very soon. hopefully no damage to the flywheel."
Try this thread.

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1030584&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1

"once the car warms up the idle is fine. does this have anything to do with the colder weather?"
Yes.

"why did it do that since i cleaned the iac valve not too long ago?"
Read Big Jim's post above.

"do i need to clean it again?"
Probably.