Engine - Rough Idle or Stall At Idle

88ford15

Article No. 88-14-12

^ IDLE - ROUGH - 2.3L AND 2.5L - 12A581 WIRE HARNESS SHORTED OUT

^ STALL - 2.3L AND 2.5L - 12A581 WIRE HARNESS SHORTED OUT

FORD: 1986-87 TAURUS 1987 TEMPO

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1987 TOPAZ

ISSUE: A rough idle, or stall at idle, may be caused by the 12A581 wire harness shorting to ground. The 4-way idle speed control connector on the 12A581 wire harness is packed with grease which may cause a chemical reaction that could soften the wire insulation and allow it to pull away from the terminal. When that happens, the wires are exposed and a short can occur.

ACTION: To correct this, inspect and repair the damaged wires using the following service procedure. This procedure should be performed before normal diagnostic procedures are used.

FIGURE 11:

1. Locate the 4-way idle speed control connector on the 12A581 wiring harness at the back of engine, Figure 11.

2. Check wires where they come out of the connector to make sure the insulation has not pulled away from the terminal.

3. If wires are exposed, repair and tape as necessary. If insulation is in place and wires are not exposed, perform normal diagnostic procedures.

NOTE: STEP 4 MUST BE PERFORMED TO PREVENT A FUTURE SHORTING CONDITION.

4. Remove terminals from connector. Wipe grease from terminals. Use air pressure to blow remaining grease out of connector.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE DEGREASING SOLUTION BECAUSE IT WILL DAMAGE THE CONNECTOR.

5. Reinstall terminals into connector.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: Supersedes 87-25-8
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage
OPERATION: 881412A
TIME: 0.4 Hr.
DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 12A581
Condition Code: 46