Just Got it & its struggling

[Wetjala]

I got got a 97xl Auto (it was running fine)
but now it has no guts while driving and it keeps turning off while driving the battery gauge goes up and down just before it turns off and the lights glow on and off. After this happens the yellow emission light comes on I don't know much about cars and I don't know what to do

can someone help

 

[Tbars4]

...I am trying to read your post...:scratch:...I think you may be having an alternator or cables problem...but I'm not 100% sure I am reading your post correctly...

 

[Wetjala]

Normally as I drive there is not a lot of power
the car stalls as I'm driving or parked.
Just before the car stalls the headlights dim and the battery gauge jumps up and down.

The battery gauge in its normal position is half way between full and empty

does that help?

 

[JTX]

Try cleaning your terminals

 

[Tbars4]

...It is either what I mentioned above or, you have something causing a very low idle...You need to check your stored codes as this might inform you of another item that is faulting and creating this problem...
...I've have had this same problem about a week after going thru deep water...The water not only shorted the alternator, but it also took out the alternator and battery cables...

 

[Turdle]

Just a hunch-
you might try this.
This part is what controls the idle speed.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84220&highlight=IAC+valve

 

[TheChadders]

clean your battery terminals if that doesnt work you might have a problem with your alternater. This happened to my dads f-350 with the exact same scenario and his bat and alternater went bad

 

[Wetjala]

thanks, I cleaned the terminals.

how can I check my 'stored codes'?

 

[Turdle]

There are several ways-

if you have a laptop computer-

www.scantool.net

if not-this is a very handy unit also

http://weatherconnection.com/sf_sub...et=05b_wcdvs&gclid=CJuHwc6P0JMCFQ-1Igodsxy4hw

Some auto parts chains here in the US will scan the codes free of charge--
hoping you buy a part.
If you can find such a place-or, one which will rent one to you-
get the codes and post them up here before buying anything.

 

[Wetjala]

I was reading some stuff on another site about o2 Sensors what are chance of the problem being that?

 

[Turdle]

I was reading some stuff on another site about o2 Sensors what are chance of the problem being that?

Honestly-
your best $$ are spent on a scanner-
trying to solve a driveabilty problem by throwing parts at it will usually result in some wasted $$$

You might try the basics-
IAC cleaning as mentioned--try it -it is free aside from the cleaner
spark plugs and wires
fuel filter
air filter
pcv valve

these are things you probably should do as a new owner anyway.

It may very well be a bad o2 sensor-don't get me wrong.
However-your truck has a computer which will tell you what is wrong, or, will report malfunctions which will help troubleshoot the problem.

 

[Tbars4]

...Reading the codes will tell us that...

 

[Wetjala]

Thanks guys I will it scanned I will let you know what happen

 

[skoal_mint]

Plugged exhaust, bad MAF

Your lights will dim when it stalls becasue it jumps from 14 volts to 12

 

[JohnJ]

I'll put my chips on the idle control. Who's tracking the bets on this one?

 

[martin123]

Had the same problem, loose connection at the alternator.