Unfortunately its an old topic but I'm a new member. Our car 1996 ford fiesta LX cuts out when we slow down at junctions and roundabouts but restarts straight away when we turn it back on with key. We have cleaned out the valve and it seemed to work for a couple of days then starts cutting out again. Any other suggestions please. Getting desperate now. 

2 hours ago, yav said:

We have cleaned out the valve and it seemed to work for a couple of days then starts cutting out again

Hi,

Which valve are you referring to? The Idle control valve?

Does this problem only happen when you are slowing down, with engine in over-run (throttle closed) and braking?

If so, it just could be something to do with the vacuum brake servo, or some other bit of kit connected to the inlet manifold vacuum, letting in too much air.

Does it ever stall when idling, or when you put in the clutch when maneuvering slowly? Or if you rev the engine while stationary, and release the throttle gradually.

This would point more firmly towards the idle valve.

My 1998 Vectra had a sticking Idle valve, the 1st time I cleaned it it worked for a while, then packed up again. It was well gunked up with sticky oil residues. I cleaned it again, more thoroughly using alchohol (IPA, but meths would also probably do), making sure it got well up inside the hidden parts. Re-fitted it & it was fine.

The fact that your initial attempt to clean the valve did help may be a big clue.

If this does not help, post some more info here, and someone else may well pick up the thread.

Peter.

 

 

 

Yes it was the idle valve and we did clean it out more thoroughly on about 4 more occasions. But will try other thing you have mentioned .. Thanks Peter. 

Keep us posted.

If the Idle valve is solenoid operated (two wire connection possibly), then the most vulnerable part for sticking is right up inside it, where the solenoid armature is.

Peter.

I have just been caught out a bit on another Fiesta idle valve problem, the 2003 on Fiesta has no idle valve, it has an electric throttle valve instead!

If your valve matches this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Idle-Air-Control-Valve-FORD-Fiesta-Mondeo-938F9F715AC-/150946702875?fits=Car+Make%3AFord|Model%3AFiesta|Cars+Year%3A1996&hash=item23251fe61b:m:mPJvVUEroRYOIgc6vtbex_A

Then I reckon it is worth getting a new one, even if just to verify that is the problem.

Peter.

When we take it off there is an electric connection which just pulls out .. The valve is full of black oil which we clean out. I have uploaded 2 photos. This was cleaned out yesterday. !!

Yvonne. 

Looks like a lot of oil is getting into the air intake. It must (almost certainly) be coming from the crankcase breather system. First check the oil level. If too high that will explain it. If losing oil, it could be getting low. Check the breather pipes, the oil separator unit (if it has one, my diesel does), and the breather valve. A big air leak into the crankcase could do it (hose come off, damaged cam cover maybe?) The crank case is negatively pressurised by the intake suction.

Oh, and check the air filter. Blockage could cause excess suction.

Unfortunately, it could be the result of excessive blow-by, that is combustion gasses getting past the pistons. That would be due to worn bores, jammed or broken piston rings. An engine compression test would check this out. But I hope it is not that, it is a bit expensive.

Peter.

 

ok thanks ever so much.. 

Its an old car that's done 144,000 miles .. bless it... I'll see how it goes cos its been a great little car. Maybe time for another one . . 

Yvonne.