96 merc.tracer 1.9

--

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ William R Watt National Capital FreeNet Ottawa's free community network homepage:

You need to post the actual trouble code that was stored in your ECM for more accurate help. There are a few MAF specific OBDII codes, but there are also "too rich" and "too lean" codes that are often caused by a dirty MAF sensor on Fords, which don't directly condemn the sensor by definition. BTW, the sensor "wires" inside can be easily cleaned if need be.

Regarding the idle/stalling, I would look for a large vacuum leak, especially the PCV valve hose on top of the 1.9 engine. They can burn through or get soft and randomly flex at the failure point to cause high idle -or- stalling on decel. The "MAF code" may just be "P0171 system too lean" from a large vacuum leak.

Toyota MDT in MO

where is the icm located on the 96 merc.tracer,& how to check if the idle air control valve is good or even working, thanks for ealier response.

this is a followup if anyone cares ,seems the problem was a large vacuum leak the intake gasket failed to do its job detiriorated so the post on large leak was good

Thanks for the followup. Yes, people appreciate the courtesy, esp. in the case of future searches on this topic.

BTW, if you haven't replaced the intake manifold gasket yet, you may want to consider replacing the cam position sensor at the same time, since it's removal is blocked by the manifold. It can fail and cause stalling/no starts, and the part is only about $20 in the aftermarket. It is the black plastic sensor that is installed in the head towards the back of the car and near #4 cylinder. The pole piece that goes into the head is about 3" long, that is why it won't come out without intake manifold removal.

Toyota MDT in MO