1995 Explorer. Idle problem.

[Garye55]

Greetings all, first time here.

I tried to find an answer, but was unable to, so I thought I would post this question for all you experts out there.

1995 Explorer XLT, 4.0liter engine purchased about 18 months ago. It had a few things wrong with it, the windshield washer didn't work (turned out to be a relay, did that myself) and a couple of other issues. Bought a Haynes manual

It had always run cold, so I replaced the thermostat a month ago, now the system heats up much better in the winter and seems to run at normal temps.

Ever since I replace the thermostat, the system idles funny, it surges when starting, from 500rpm to 1500rpm until warmed up, and then settles at 500rpm. Before replacing the thermostat, I never had any problem idling. So I am assuming it was something I did.

I looked at all of the hoses, but I see nothing loose or broken. I cleaned the air filter, does anyone have any suggestions as to what to check for next

TIA

Gary

 

[Garye55]

update - after exploring the site a little more, I saw a lot of posts about the IAC valve and cleaning it. Just finished that, and through in some "sea foam" in the gas tank.

I saw a big change after cleaning the IAC valve, no more surges, but seemed to idle a high for quite a while, I assume the computer reacting to the clean sensor. Finally settled down to around 750 rpm while warm, and no big fluctuations. I have my fingers crossed. Well worth the 7.50 for the electrical cleaning fluid

Gary

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 95-01 section. What temperature is the new thermostat? Was the old one in the same temperature range?

 

[Garye55]

Thanks for moving this to the appropriate forum. Sorry I do not have the temperature specs on the new thermostat. I can tell you that it was a standard part from Advanced Auto, and the temperature gauge reads a couple of degrees below the middle, and I finally have warm air out of the vents when needed.

The idle problem hasn't gone completely away, but the surging part has.

Currently the idle is a little inconsistent at start-up, sometimes, 2000 rpm, sometimes 1500 rpm, today it stayed at around 500 rpm. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[jlsparky7]

Thanks for the detailed info, that makes it much easier for us to help you figure out what the problem is. Sounds like your on the right track. Seafoam is great stuff but i would recommend using it through the brake booster vacuum line. Heres a how to vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRfVcvcMycc

Also you may want to throw a new set of spark plugs in the vehicle. After you do that disconnect the battery for a few hours then reconnect it and the vehicle will "relearn" to idle properly. Also pop off your intake hose and make sure your throttle body is completely closed when no pressure is on the pedal. As seen in this vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRciBxP5zB0

This is also a mod you might want to consider doing when you figure out your idle problem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjgkqjyg-2U

May want to look into replacing your coolant temperature sensor as well. This vid isnt an exlporer vid but it gives you an idea. One of the sensors controls your heat gauge and the other sensor sends a signal to your computer when the engine is up to temp.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iFrGXEgswY

 

[Garye55]

Wow! That is some great info and videos! I will review them and start going through them. I'll report back as soon as I can. Thanks so much!

 

[jlsparky7]

No prob, if you dont mind. Please subscribe and comment on the youtube vids!