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2002 Explorer 4.6L Dying at Idle

Scott2008

Well-Known Member
Joined
December 4, 2007
Messages
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City, State
Hudson, WI
Year, Model & Trim Level
2002 Explorer V8
I'm having an issue with my explorer dying when I come to red lights, or simply while idling. It idles fine, then suddenly it'll try to rev up, shutter a bit then die. As long as I push the gas pedal or am driving normal it runs perfect. Someone said fuel pressure regulator but I cannot find a part for this car nor do I know if it's the issue. Someone also said it could the throttle possiition sensor. Finally, there is no check engine light, so I cannot tell if the PCM is throwing codes. (At least with my scanner). Anyone have any suggestions? thanks!
 



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Take it to a parts store that will read your codes for free. I would think that if you were having problems with the fuel pressure regulator you would be experiencing other drivability issues.

Maybe the idle air bypass?
 






Thanks, however there are likely no codes being thrown since no check engine light is on, right?
 






Sound like IAC (idle air control)

you can try to clean it or get a new one. use the search tool on this topic
 






Still need help with this

OK, well, I really need some help on this issue. I went out and bought a new IAC and installed it. At first it seems to help. However, after running about 15 minutes it started to almost die, follwed by a little rev to keep it going. So, it looks like this part was not the problem.

With no check engine light it's making it very tough to troubleshoot. Does anyone have any other suggestions? THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 






OK, well, I really need some help on this issue. I went out and bought a new IAC and installed it. At first it seems to help. However, after running about 15 minutes it started to almost die, follwed by a little rev to keep it going. So, it looks like this part was not the problem.

With no check engine light it's making it very tough to troubleshoot. Does anyone have any other suggestions? THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't if this will work, but you can try disconnecting the battery for 10-15 minutes to re-set the computer.
 






Tried disconnecting the battery to reset the PCM... also used my scanner default and erase any old codes. Still have the issue.

It runs perfect other than this idle thing. Could it be plugs or wires?

Also, I did a search to see if maybe I have a fuel pressure regulator issue. For some reason, I cannot find a fuel pressure regulator for this year? Does it have one? If so, what is the paret number? Does this sound like a fuel pressure regualtor issue?
 






It could be plugs or wires. Pull one of them and take a look. How many miles on your X and whats its history
 






I bought it with 75,000 miles on it. Everything looks mint on it as if it was taken care of very well. However, I don't have service records. I will buy a set of plugs today and try those... they are probably due anyway. The plugs have built in coils and are very pricey. Visually they look like they are in decent shape, but I'm not sure.
 






I switched the plugs out and saw they have black residue on them. Seems like its running too rich? The plugs seemed to have smooothed it out a bit, but it's still a bit bumpy at idle. I'll have to try again tomorrow when it's cold out. Any other suggestions>?
 






How about changing the fuel filter?
 






Thanks for the reply... yup did that last week... it was the origional and it was heavy! Unfortunately, that didn't solve the problem.
 






Let's see if I get the summary right:

about 75K miles bought used, prior maintenance unknown. No codes thrown, runs fine otherwise, changed IAC, plugs, and fuel filter, and reset the computer.

When you say it runs okay otherwise, does it have plenty of power, run smoothly, and get nominal mpg? Do you note a distinct difference when the gas pedal is pressed, even just the tiniest bit?

I would eliminate a couple of things (you sound mechanically knowledgeable and skilled). How about hooking up a vacuum gauge - don't expect anything wrong mechanical, but might show you an intake problem (IAC/MAF/EGR), and I would probably hook up a fuel pressure tester gage. Then I would do the vacuum leak check (I prefer the propane torch - unlit of course - test).

Offhand I do not think the spark plugs being black is significant (but I may be wrong). As long as they all looked the same. Did you change them with good and correct heat range plugs? Maybe someone who really knows will chime in, but it does not sound ignition-related to me (runs fine otherwise).
 






i recently had the same issue with my explorer having a rough idle and stalling... although the issue may be different with me, i had come to the conclusion that it was either the MAF, the fuel filter, my injectors, or an idle controller... i opened my hood to find my filter completely off the tube because i had not tightened it enough (i have a conical air filter)... the moral of the story, it turned out being a "lean" mixture problem and it took about a week for my service engine light to come on... now that i have the filter back on, it dissappeared

wait a bit and maybe your computer will detect and issue and turn the service engine light on... u could be running lean, or u mite need a new fuel filter... at least those r the least expensive fixes
 






Could it MAYBE be the alternator? Perhaps your battery is near dead.. and the alternator is only charging a little bit when it's sped up.. but when you stop and it's idling.. it's not putting any power out.. and since the battery is low.. it just dies?

Just a crappy theory...
What's your battery gauge read when you turn the key, before you start?
 






good thinking storlied but I don't think that is his problem......let's think old school for a minute...on an older model if these symptoms arouse we would go straight for the EGR give it a tap and that would solve it..sometimes we would have to change it out though. when an engine is idling smooth and you disconnect the egr line it goes to a rough idle...just woth a shot, I thought...good luck....clean your MAF?
 






Have you checked the air filter?
 






i had a similar problem with my 02 explorer, i would drive and then when id come to a red and light and stop it would die. Or when slowing down it would begin to jerk and then die. After a week my engine light came on, when i eventually to it to a shop they found that the o2 sensors were bad, and the filter wasnt in good condition
 






Mine was doing similar things and Autozone showed about ten codes. After removing the plastic cover, I discovered right on top of the engine a 1/2" ID 90° elbow hose had a large hole melted into the underside of it and it was sucking vacuum through it big time. The hose is pretty small, each leg is only about 2" long. I replaced the hose for about $7 and that took care of it. Be sure to lube the insides of the replacement hose or it may be a bear to get it fully over the hose nipples.
 



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02 EB Explorer dies at Idle speed

My 2002 Eddie Bauer Exp (77k mi) just started to do the same (stall at idle either after starting, or coming to a stop). I can double foot drive it, put it in N approaching stops, etc. I took it to my Ford Dealer and they are saying it is my Torque Converter and perhaps bad ignition coil. I can't belive out of the previous posts on this topic that it is anything as serious as a torque converter, particualrly if it dies while in park after starting it. I wanted ot get a recap of those that have had this problem as to what the root cause was. I can't afford a big dealer service bill this month and need to get her back on the road.
 






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