I think I need a tuneup.

[jnb0111]

I've noticed over the past week or so that my x tends to kinda stutter when I'm sitting at a traffic light. Just based on past experience, I'm guessing that it needs a tune up. Other than that, it runs great, and there's no hesitation when I take off from a light. It seems to have decent power still, and there's no CEL on or anything. Does it sound like a simple tune up? Also, what is needed and recommended for a tune up on one of these? Never did one on it.
'03 sport, just rolled over 158k miles. 4x2

 

[Lube]

Plugs, wires, clean the MAF and IAC.

 

[Joe Dirt]

No snake oil parts, Motorcraft or Autolite plugs are the most happy-running-Explorer-friendly replacements. Wires are a different story, either Motorcraft, some like Magnecor, but stay away from the cheap parts-store wires if you're looking for longevity.

 

[jnb0111]

No snake oil parts, Motorcraft or Autolite plugs are the most happy-running-Explorer-friendly replacements. Wires are a different story, either Motorcraft, some like Magnecor, but stay away from the cheap parts-store wires if you're looking for longevity.

Thanks. That's the info I was looking for. I'll get the stuff and do it this weekend.

 

[jnb0111]

Well, tuneup didn't cure the problem. It's still doing the same thing it was doing. The RPM at idle has dropped, also. I know it used to idle just a little under 1000, and now it's idling at about 550. Does the X have an adjustable idle? That may end up being the problem...

*edit* I should also add that I just moved from North Carolina to northern Ohio. Could it be an altitude/temperature/something else change that's caused the idle to drop, or am I looking too deep into this?

 

[yavapaires]

Possible bad injectors. Might try cleaning them. There are shops that can clean them.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Just so you know also- the Ex shouldn't necessarily have a 'miss' but a smooth non-noticeable idle is something many owners have been chasing around for a looooong time. It's very elusive.

 

[jnb0111]

Just so you know also- the Ex shouldn't necessarily have a 'miss' but a smooth non-noticeable idle is something many owners have been chasing around for a looooong time. It's very elusive.

That's a little more reassuring, but this is noticeably different. It seriously acts like it's going to stall when I'm sitting at a light. It hasn't, but it acts like it.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Did you clean the IAC or replace it with a new one?

 

[Lube]

And no, the idle isn't adjustable. If it's not where is should be (and that's computer controlled), then there's a problem waiting to be found. Did you clean the MAF and the IAC?