difficulty starting

[DBrown1]

my x wont start on the first attempt. I have to crank it, pump the pedal once then crank again before it starts. It will then run at a fast Idle for a few minutes, but the idle will stumble badly for about the first minute. It clears up when warm. anyone have any ideas?

 

[schaltegger]

My '99 EB AWD (V8) has intermittently started doing the same thing. Slightly under 39K miles and never first thing in the morning when it's coldest, but only after being driven for a little bit, parked for several hours and then started. It cranks just fine, seems to start but just dies. If I hit the accelerator it runs but as soon as I remove my foot the idle drops and it dies. If I force it to idle at ~1000 - 1500 RPM for five minutes it runs okay. Tonight after getting it to keep running, I noticed my idle speed at stoplights was ~400 RPM when it's usually 900 - 1000. Any ideas for us?

 

[Howard]

Sound very like IAC (Idle Air Control valve)to me. Worth checking anyway try cleaning or could be the TPS (Throttle Postion Sensor). Both are relatively cheap and easy to get to. Do a search on both for full details. Hope this helps.

 

[DBrown1]

That's my first thought as well. I did a search and the sympoms are similar but nothing seemed exact. I'll try cleaning the IAC first and see what happens. Thanks.

 

[tucker1]

So there can be a problem wiht my IAC even though its only got 2000 miles on it?

 

[Howard]

It's not impossible that the IAC is stuck even with such low mileage. Damp can do funny things. So can faulty parts. Ofcourse it may be something else but it's worth a check as it's so simple to do.

 

[OneShotBandit]

Interesting post

I went out to start Ex & it would crank, but no start. I have 57900 mi on it. It will run as long as I pump it, but dies when I lift off the throttle. Thanks for the info guys as I have heard from buds that it could be anything from the Calaytic Con. (sp) to a fuel pump. The other problem is it's a 75 mi.'s away! I just needed some info so the local Ford service dept. doesn't try to hose me! I guess we'll just have to see what the codes read, eh?

 

[Alec]

My guess is IAC or fuel problem. The fuel problem is likely the fuel filter or FPR if anything.

 

[OneShotBandit]

Alec,
FPR? Is that the fuel pump? And if so I bet that'll set me back some coin! Thanks.

Virgil

 

[Alec]

FPR is fuel pressure regulator. Cheap and easy to replace. I don't think is the fuel pump because problems with the fuel pump usually manifest as not enough fuel under high load, not low load.

 

[OneShotBandit]

Thanks, Alec!

 

[OneShotBandit]

Thanks to all for the info here! My starting problem was indeed the IAC, heck they got it up (!) & running for $212.00! Whew! This IS the site (for Explorer's)!

Virg

 

[Alec]

Next time, buy the IAC and replace it yourself. The part costs about $70 and takes 5-10 minutes to replace. You just need a small ratchet set.

Glad you got it fixed!

 

[OneShotBandit]

Your right as labor was $75, but included in my bill was a $55 towing charge. This happened 75 mi.'s from home and at the locals mercy! Thanks again for the info!

Virg