Hello guys,

95 Disco, 160,xxx.. My 16 year old daughter's disco... I work in Huntsville, AL but live in Crossville, TN, 160 miles away... Will get home to start the explorations on Friday and wanted to get some direction, etc... The issue as I understand coming from my daughter:

Rover starts right up as it should, idles fine, shifts fine, no smoking, all normal. Drives for 4-6 miles and stops at a light, rover dies. She puts it in park, starts right back up as normal, runs fine for a couple of miles and dies again. Rover starts right back up, drives fine for a couple of miles, comes to stop and idle is very high but does not die. Drives a few miles, stops and dies, starts back up with normal idle. Got it home and parked it...

As I am 160 miles away, I have not had a chance to look at codes or experience what is taking place as the 'dies' happen. I have not done at fuel pressure checks, voltage checks, etc...My daughter tells me it does not 'sputter' when it dies, it just dies. So... anyone have any direction off this initial description?? IACV, fuel pump, cam sensor, alternator, angry rover gods ???

As always, all comments are appreciated.

 

Could be a fuel pump

 

If you have a distributor, high idle sounds like IACV valve (clean or replace), or check for spark - ignition amp module. If you have a slightly newer one without a distrtibutor, then look at crank position sensor.

 

Buzz - 1995 so it does have a dist.. Could the IACV cause it to just 'die' but still allow it to start right back up after the incident?

 

You need to know if you are losing spark or fuel. If it's spark, like Savannah Buzz said, I'd think ignition amplifier. Or Coil. There is a diagram in the manual for troubleshooting the lucas ignition.

 

You could get offspring to pop by an auto parts store and buy a spark tester (under $10). It won't shock you. Hold to a spark plug wire when cranking - no flash = no spark. You don't need to pull off a plug wire. Keep pony tail out of fan belts.

See Amazon.com: Lisle 19380 Spark Tester: Automotive=

 

Disco, there is long thread started by me on the same issue. Funny thing, mine is also driven by my 17 yo daughter. I had the same symptoms. Solved it by replacing the IACV valve with one from Advance Autoparts part# 21774 for $50.oo. If you read my thread, you'll see I cleaned and checked everything prior to replacing the part. Good luck.

 

Thanks for heads up Leadfoot. Just looked at the post, 50 bones would be better than alternator, fuel pump, etc. Will test voltage and fuel pressure this weekend. Did the cleaning of the IACV result in anything positive??

Buzz - Great advice on the pony tail, and her's is long!

 

In my case it did not help. No doubt that may be all you need. I would clean the IAVC real well and specially the cavity where it goes in, and test for a day or so. If the problem comes back, then replace it.

 

A little update on the erractic idle... Removed and clean the IACV and TPS... Noted no seal / washer on the IACV and TPS gasket was poor at best. Also did generic cleaning on several other components in the engine bay, new air filter, etc. etc.

Pulled the #1 spark plug and slightly wet with oil, the remaining (7) plugs were (to varying extents) "carboned up". Cleaned all and verified and set gaps, etc. Idle was considerably better but still somewhat erractic, particularly after Rover was warmed up, driven about 5 miles, but it didn't stall. Check Engine light did come on and Code is 44, left bank.

So.... couple of queries for you Rover guys... I'm thinking IACV and TPS for idle and maybe the Code would go away (or o2 sensors)??? Oil on #1 spark plug???

Thoughts gentlemen??

Thanks.