4.0L SOHC engine idle

[Roadking]

'97 Explorer XLT (58k) 4.0L SOHC that's developing the fast/slow hunting (1500/500 rpm) idle when it's cold.
Does this sound like the intake manifold sealing problem? It doesn't have a rough idle, just goes up and down until I touch the gas.
What else would cause this?

Does Ford generally perform all the engine TBS's at once - camshaft tensioners, intake manifold sealing and camshaft chain guides.
Is it wise to have it all done at once or only fix what's broken?
Any advice?

 

[Howard]

Hi

I would still suspect the IAC valve may be sticking and a cleanup should sort it out. As for the TBS's no they only do them if you have a problem within the warranty period. No problem = no fix.

If the IAC does not sort it then crank the lower intake bolts a little and see if that helps also look out for any other vacuum leaks.

All the best.

Howard

 

[Roadking]

Thanks for the tips!

Can I get to the lower intake bolts from the top of the engine.

 

[Howard]

Yes I believe that you can with a socket set.

All the best.

Still bet it's the IAC though.

 

[mikeh]

I'd tell you to use the search function but I'm not like that. Here is a link to all of your problems.

Dead Link Removed

You can get your's fixed for free at the Ford dealer. Tell them that on cold startup it won't idle properly and then tell them to fix it per 00M12 ONP program.

Oh yeah and you can't get the lower intake manifold bolts off without taking the upper intake off first. But you don't have to because you can go to Ford for free!!!

Good Luck,
mikeh

 

[Roadking]

Last night I cleaned out the IAC. It really wasn't that dirty.
Since the truck had to cool off I had to wait until this morning to see if it worked.
Hit the key and the same up and down idle.

Called the Ford dealer and they told me it could be 5 or 10 different things.
They wouldn't even acknowledge that there is a TSB for this symptom.
So for $65/hr they will try to find the problem.

Oh Well, I'm getting used to sitting at the dealer.

 

[Robert]

Be sure and mention Owner Notification Program 00M12. Make sure they start with that since that is the likely source of your problems and is also the one that Ford will pay to fix.