Dies in Drive....sometimes
 

Hi there. My 87 Bird tends to die in drive. Mainly when it is warm. I checked my manual and it says that my idle speed should be around 700 RPM. In park or neutral it is, but when I pull up to the lights it tends to drop off and stall, unless I shift to neutral before I come to a stop. I have changed the plugs, wires, cap and rotor. But still nothing. Can anyone give some advice on what to try next? Thanx

could be a number of things. does it just die or does the car surge like it's fighting to still move? if it's doing this then the torque converter is likely not disengaging properly. What motor do you have? could be an IAC problem, TPS, MAF, or some other problems. KYle

Its a 2.8l V6. The RPM's will drop and it will die. Occaisionally it will drop down in RPM's but then jump back up to about 800, then settle back down around 600-700. Any help?

Have you checked for vacuum leaks? Also, is your timing set correctly?

Definitely check for vac leaks first. I had this problem until i replaced every vac line on the engine except the hard plastic ones and the one running to the brake booster (because its more like a coolant hose than a rubber vac line). If the vacuum level is good (I am not sure about this, someone correct me if I am wrong, I need to know exactly too), you should get a reading around 11-15" Hg on a vacuum gauge. If the problem happens also when the brakes are applied, definitely check this out. When you replace the vacuum lines, if you have an MFI engine, don't forget to check/replace the injector o-rings while you are at it. GP Sorenson part number 800-9220 at any parts place carrying GP/S parts.
The next things to check are how clean the IAC is, the TPS voltage, and definitely see if you are running rich... etc...

Thanx for the tips I will definately check that out. I dont have a vaccuum gauge. Where can I get one? Thanx again