Stalling when cold / Hesitation

MERCURY MARQUIS
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RICK COVALT
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I have a 1988 Grand Marquis, 302 engine, with Automatic OD transmission. It has 110,00 miles on it. It has a problem when you first start it. It will start fine and go to fast idle but only for about 2 to 3 seconds. If you try to take off right away it has a severe hesitation and it is almost like it is not getting fuel. It will many times stall out completely when you first try to go. If you push the accelerator further down then it will take off and go. This condition exists for about 1 to 2 miles of driving but gets less and less noticable as it warms up. Once fully warmed up the hesitation is almost completely gone. I am putting new plugs, wires, cap and rotor,and air filter on it today but was wondering if there is something else I should look for.

Thanks, Rick
Jun 23, 2007 at 8:20 AM
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AJII
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You've got a dirty Mass Air Flow sensor. Spray it out w/ elect. connection cleaner or MAF cleaner spray. No need to brush the tiny wires hanging down but don't be shy w/ the spray ($5 fix). Or R & R ($50). It'll run like new & no more close calls.

It also sounds like it could be a vacuum leak, here are a couple guides that will help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mass-air-flow-service

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.
Feb 5, 2008 at 1:03 PM