Can't get my 2000 Explorer to start...

[Joshua Stenvick]

Greetings, y'all,

I'm having a bit of difficulty getting my 2000 Explorer to start. It will crank and crank, but it won't turn over unless I give it a little bit of gas. Then it will stay running as long as I keep the RPM's above 1K. If I let off the accelerator, the vehicle will die. Here is what I've done so far:
-Changed fuel filter
-Changed fuel pump (Full assembly, not just pump)
-Checked to make sure headlights didn't dim when trying to start
-Checked to make sure "Theft" light wasn't blinking when trying to turn over, as I heard this was a clue that the key fob was broken.

I'm running out of options and I'm really hoping to avoid bringing it in to a mechanic to diagnose it. Not that I have anything against people of the trade, just looking to save a few bucks. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, y'all.

Josh

 

[RandomNerd2000]

Your IAC, Idle Air Control, valve is stuck closed, they're inexpensive, some people clean them but I always just replace them. I've had this same issue.

 

[410Fortune]

is your 2000 sport a OHV or SOHC 4.0 V6?
How many miles?
Any check engine light?

I would inspect the air intake for any leaks (airbox back to the engine)
Check function of the throttle cable and throttle body
Check fuel pressure at the rail

 

[Spudhut]

Welcome to the forums!

@RandomNerd2000 and @410Fortune are on track. I would check these items. Keep us posted on the fix.

 

[J_C]

Your IAC, Idle Air Control, valve is stuck closed, they're inexpensive, some people clean them but I always just replace them. I've had this same issue.

You can do both! Clean it, since that is so easy to do if you have carb/etc cleaner, see if that helps, but if it's too worn out and the problem soon reappears, replace it.

You could also hook up an OBDII scan tool capable of showing live data and look at the various sensors like coolant temperature and long term fuel trims, but I'd clean the IAC first.

 

[Joshua Stenvick]

Welcome to the forums!

@RandomNerd2000 and @410Fortune are on track. I would check these items. Keep us posted on the fix.

Thank you very much for the welcome. And the advice! I replaced the IAC and it is now running again. Thank you all very much! So glad I found this forum. Just a little 2000 Explorer Sport. It has 170K on it, but runs like a champ. Bought it off a couple who put less than 10K a year on it. Small damage to the interior steering wheel and normal ware and tear, but hasn't given me any problems until now. Nice little truck I want to keep running as long as I can. This forum will help me with it!

 

[410Fortune]

"Your IAC, Idle Air Control, valve is stuck closed, they're inexpensive, some people clean them but I always just replace them. I've had this same issue."

Way to go Randomnerd2000!!! Very helpful!! You helped to fix his truck!! That is why we are here!!

 

[Spudhut]

Awesome ending to the story. Thanks for the update.

 

[RandomNerd2000]

Thanks for the update, it's nice seeing it resolved, and you've got a nice running and driving truck again