'01 Sport Idle Problems....

[jjkusaf]

38K miles. When I crank her up..she dies. I crank her up again...give it some gas....let off the gas...it dies (quickly).

Try anywhere between 2-20 times...and finally she runs alright...until the next time I shut off the ignition and try again then I usually have to go through the same routine again.

I have started using higher octane fuel and also used some of that fuel injection cleaner...but nothing seems to help. I also have disconnected the battery and tried what the manual said (having the Explorer relearn its idle).

Vehicle is out of warrenty now, I am military, and really do not have the money to spend having some place diagnose the problem.

Any suggestions....tip....?

[Edit] The service engine light has never come on.

 

[Jason_25]

The problem lies in your IAC valve. You will need to replace it. It costs about $100.

Also, quit using the high octane fuel, it does nothing for you.

 

[jjkusaf]

the what? OK..IAC valve...where is this thing located...on top of the manifold?

 

[Jason_25]

Yep on top of the intake manifold, it's cylinder shaped.

 

[jjkusaf]

Jason...I have tried to located reading material on the location of the IAC valve. I understand intake manifold, however, on these newer vehicles (last time I saw a intake manifold was on a '83 Ford F-150) I am not sure where anything is located. I am a carburator person, not a fuel injector person.

Anyway...where exactly is this thing located? I guess I need to take off that black plastic thing on top of the engine right? Looking at the engine...would it be on the left side...right side...towards the back ... the front or where?

I have searched through all the threads on these forums and have seen people talk about sites that tought them how to replace it...but they unfortuantly never included links.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Jason_25]

Do you have a Haynes manual? If not, go pick one up. They are about 12 bucks. The reason I say this is it will help you in the future, and also because I have no idea as to where the IAC is on the SOHC engine.

 

[Robert]

On my '97 SOHC, the IAC valve is right on top directly underneith the black plastic cover that says "SOHC". Look for a small silver cylinder about 3" long by 1" in diameter with a small, round black cap on the side. The IAC valve sits right on top of the upper intake manifold.

 

[jjkusaf]

thanks folks for the help. It has run well today...will let it go for a bit longer and if it keeps acting up will replace the IAC and hopefully that will help.

 

[mtime1117]

The same thing happened to me this morning. Turned the key...engine would start with a little gas, but would die if I took my foot off. Did this about 10 times in a row. I even let it warm up to operating temp on the fifth or so try. I have an '01 Explorer, 4.0L. 38K on it as well.

Unhooked the battery and cleaned the IAC valve as suggested. Started right up! I used some throttle/intake cleaner made by 3M (sensor safe). Not all the gunk would come out on its own, so I used some Qtips to break lose the thicker stuff.