Can a bad ECM cause low idle rmps?

Asked by E Aug 30, 2017 at 06:35 PM about the 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis 4 Dr LS Sedan

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I'm having an issue with my alternator not charging
high enough while it's in gear if I'm stopped it will
drop to 12 volts charging while I drive it'll charge
between 13 and 14.2 volts. I've been having
charging issues for a while used a half-dozen
alternators finally ran a key on power from a new
source to the alternator and I'm not burning up
alternators now. Any ideas?

2 Answers

I would suspect the idle control valve. The valve is fairly easy to replace on the Triton engines. There is a Youtube video for this.

1 people found this helpful.

I'll check it. Many auto professionals are confused by it's action. It acted like a bad regulator until I ran the alternate source for key on power. Now it charges ok until I sit at idle and it even gets worse if a/c is on. In gear at idle A/C and headlights on its at 11.8 if I'm lucky. I'll check the valve and see if picks up the idle. Thanks

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Tracy Hooks
    Reputation
    9,700
  • #2
    Trippmeister
    Reputation
    5,060
  • #3
    Bob Beaman
    Reputation
    3,780
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Crown Victoria
3 listings starting at $8,960
Used Buick LeSabre
1 listing
Used Ford Mustang
35 Great Deals out of 1,596 listings starting at $7,999
Used Toyota Camry
49 Great Deals out of 1,094 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford F-150
305 Great Deals out of 13,473 listings starting at $3,888
Used Chevrolet Impala
8 Great Deals out of 130 listings starting at $3,495
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
167 Great Deals out of 7,420 listings starting at $6,995
Used Lexus LS
4 Great Deals out of 34 listings starting at $5,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
26 Great Deals out of 786 listings starting at $15,900
Used Honda Accord
49 Great Deals out of 978 listings starting at $2,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.