Engine dies when it's IDLE.

[fexpl2009]

ok, the check engine light was on, when I tried to start it, but now the truck is not starting! Any ideas?

EDIT: Plus the windows doesn't work! How to fix that electronic ?

 

[Shane91Explorer]

I would bet you have a bad connection on the negative

Now that you've disconnected the battery, you will most likely need to clean the battery post and the connector to get a good connection again.

As far as your idle is concerned, in my experience it sure sounds to me like you have a dirty mass air sensor. They are pretty easy to clean if you are very careful.

 

[fexpl2009]

thanks shane!

But know the vehicle won't start? possible reasons & solutions?

 

[nitro71]

valisj, can you list what you've tried so far? When you're trouble shooting try one thing. See if it fixes it. Then try one more thing. Always one thing at a time. First thing you have to do is get the codes pulled. I believe there is a thread somewhere about using a paper clip and counting blinks or something. Find out what they are and post up on here.

I know I'm jumping ahead but not starting is fuel, spark or air. You can test spark with another plug. Where leather gloves and pull the plug wire and put the plug on and touch the engine. Have someone turn it over.

Air, if the filter isn't plugged I wouldn't pursue that much more at this point.

Fuel. Change the fuel filter. You could pull the fuel line and be careful of sparks and have someone crank it and see if it pumps fuel.

This is all really basic 101 mechanical. I don't have the knowledge yet to go any further in depth. Even if the MAF is dirty or off or some other component is crapping out the computer should go into a "limp" mode where it makes a educated guess to keep the engine running. It will generate CEL(check engine codes) at that point. Pull the codes, change the fuel filter. You said it sat for a while? It could have laquered your whole fuel delivery system. I don't usually recommend seafoam as I think it's gimmicky but it probably is a good idea to clean out your fuel delivery system. If the old gas is in it try to siphon it out.. Not sure if you can. Maybe there is a drain on the fuel tank. Be careful with gas. ANY spark and it will explode.

Spark plugs have to be super bad to cause a engine to not run. I've seen very melted plugs keep working.

 

[nitro71]

Disregard my fuel testing advice!!! I just learned in another thread that you can get a presure gauge and screw it into the port on the left(as your facing) side of the engine. It has a schrader valve in it. Do some research on it first as I don't know much about it.

 

[fixxxer]

IAC - Idle Air Control valve http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84220
MAF - Mass Air Flow sensor http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=184766 and http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164307

 

[nitro71]

Thanks fixxxer or is that triple x? LOL! I needed that info myself to.

 

[marragtop]

In addition to what Nitro stated, when you turn the key to the ON position, you should hear the fuel pump prime/whine for a couple of seconds. If you don't hear that sound, then your problem is going to be fuel delivery related. It could be the fuel pump relay, intertia switch, PCM relay or the pump itself. We need more info to better help you.