2000 Explorer bad idle

[jhlankford]

My 2000 Explorer at start up wants to idle down so low it almost quits. Then, the computer kicks in, increases the idle speed to save it from cutting off, then it idles back down and starts the whole thing over again.
Any ideas??
3 time Explorer owner.
JL

 

[91bluebeast]

possibly a dirty MAF sensor in your intake?

 

[JDraper]

First I'd check the air filter to see how dirty it is. If that's not it, and unless you're out of warranty on mileage, take it back to the dealership and let them pay for the fix.

 

[jhlankford]

The warranty is up. The air filter is clean. A dirty MAF? Can they be cleaned? MAF replaced about a month ago.
Now what?

 

[jonny 5]

Thermostat?

 

[jhlankford]

Believe I've got it nailed down. It must be the timing chain tensioner. Gonna have it replaced Tuesday under the recall. That will replicate the MAF problem, and is probably why it was changed (just prior to me buying this vehicle). I'll try and respond by Thursday as to the outcome.
jhlankford

 

[LukeDog3D]

Check for vaccuum leaks if it isn't the timing chain.

 

[paul_c_nicols]

what recall?! i own a 2000 too! i have checked www.alldata.com for recalls for both 6cyl & 8cyl, 2wd & 4wd.....there's nothing! what's the scoop?

 

[jhlankford]

To reply to the question about the "recall". I kinda mis-spoke. It isn't quite a recall, however there are some SOHC's that are not included apparently. Here is the text of a post I read on this site, and then the url to it.
"Ford Certified Technician
Just a bit of advice, I work on more sohc motors in explorers than any other engine ford makes. I am a ford tech. If you plan on keeping the vehicle be happy you have a ohv engine, if your leasing then what the heck you can go ahead and get the sohc. They constantly need lower intake manifold gaskets put on and nearly all of them even have a recall campaign out on them because of the frequent failure of the timing chain tensioner and gaskets. Its called 00m12, so if you have one stalling on cold starts and you get bad fuel economy take it to your local dealer and have them run you vin on ford oasis, there is a 99% chance the campaign is available for you truck and you can get it fixed for free."

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=22517

Hope this clears things up. I'm putting mine in tomorrow.
JL

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by paul_c_nicols
what recall?! i own a 2000 too! i have checked www.alldata.com for recalls for both 6cyl & 8cyl, 2wd & 4wd.....there's nothing! what's the scoop?

Paul, it isn't a recall. It is an Owner Notification Program. In otherwords, it just means that Ford extended the warranty on certain Explorers and revised the parts. In this case the ONP only applies to the SOHC, not the V8 in your Explorer.

 

[paul_c_nicols]

that's a plus! thought i missed something. if it was a tsb item (or a recall) i would have liked to have gotten in fixed b/f the end of warranty. well, i guess if it was a true recall they might fix it past warranty anyways.

thanks guys.

 

[Bartman]

I've got a 2000 XLT SOHC too. It is going in tomorrow for the 00M12 fix. It started the "diesel engine" sound on cold start ups a week or two ago. I got a letter in Dec 2001 saying I was eligible for this "improvement" to my engine (I love how marketing execs can turn a faulty part into an engine improvement!). Luckily, I've kept track of the symptoms from info. posted on this site and knew what it was as soon as my truck started that sound. I LOVE THIS SITE!!

jhlankford: good luck. Hope it cures your ills too.