Cold idle problem

[6114]

My 2000 explorer has a cold idle problem, starts willingly and goes right up to high idle speed but dropps down right away to the point at almost stalles, then fluctuates till it warms up. Had the IAC replaced and the dealer said they have no fix. Called ford motor and they tell me the engineers are working on it.
Just like to know how many explorer owners are having that problem.Any one?
Oh, i have the 4.0L SOHC

 

[JM Dookie]

You're in luck. I had the same problem with mine and the dealer replaced the MAF sensor three times in two months before I figured out what the problem was. What you need to do is to tell the dealer to check or replace the intake manifold gaskets. This fixed the problem for me. The service manager even told me "thanks" for helping them find the problem. Let's just hope that your dealer is not to stubborn to take your advice. Also, you can search this site for other owners with the same problem.

 

[archer]

cold idle

I had the same problem. It got really bad in cold weather. I brought my 98 sport to the dealer three times for same problem. I had my fuel system,throtle body cleaned and replaced the fuel filter. The dealer finally found a crack in the lower intake manifold. It running great now.

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by 6114
My 2000 explorer has a cold idle problem, starts willingly and goes right up to high idle speed but dropps down right away to the point at almost stalles, then fluctuates till it warms up. Had the IAC replaced and the dealer said they have no fix. Called ford motor and they tell me the engineers are working on it.
Just like to know how many explorer owners are having that problem.Any one?
Oh, i have the 4.0L SOHC

Ask your dealer to look up Owner Notification Program 00M12. It deals with leaking lower intake manifold o-rings which will cause the problems you describe (so will a cracked manifold). 00M12 also covers the noisy camshaft tensioners, both will be replaced under warranty regardless of your mileage until April 2001. Sometimes it takes pointing your dealer's head towards the right document.

 

[6114]

I made an appt. for the 27th. They will take the intake off and inspect it for cracks.I asked if they will be installing the revised intake gasked and the answer was yes.
Sure do hope this cures it. It barely runns at times when cold.I'll send an update after the work is done.
Thanks guy's

 

[Nonoy]

I agree with Robert. I exactly had the same problem plus the ratlling noise during cold start until the check engine light is goes on. I brought it to the dealer and insisted that it's a recall. They checked the computer and confirmed it. They replaced the O ring and the tensioner. Now the idle is good and quite. They fixed it for free!.

 

[jerry989]

had same problem , o rings on intake and new cam tensioners

[fixed the problem . it's a free fix . if your dealer does not know this change dealers . mine fixed it on the first visit

 

[6114]

Update!!

Had the Intake O-rings replaced and the Manifiold Kit installed. What a big dissappointment!!!
Nothing changed, still have the idle problem.Maby a Laywer is going to have a job with this one!!!!

 

[Robert]

Considering that the dealer originally told you they have no fix, I wouldn't be surprised if they only put the camshaft tensioners in and skipped the o-rings. Do you have another dealer close by that you could try? If yours idles like you said, then it has a problem and Ford should fix it while it is under warranty.

 

[<<MONOCHROMOUS>>]

i have the idle problem as well, let me know how it goes.

 

[6114]

New Update

Called ford motor again and they told me to take it back to the dealer once again. I have an appt now for JAN. 2nd.
But this time i will videotape it on a few diff ocations beforehand, in case " it dont do it ".
Think i better find out if we have the lemmon law here in canada as you have in the states. I'm sure there will be more updates!
Pete