Idle Problem

[Eli21]

Idle Problem!!

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My '00 Explorer will not iddle. It started about a year ago when it would sometimes not iddle when cold. I took it to a shop and it was fixed. They told me they just had to replace a fuse. The problem resurfaced about a month later and has been getting worst to the point that now it will not hold an idle at all. I called the shop and the mechanice is no longer there and noone seems to know about a fuse that would fix such problem.

Does anyone have an idea what type of fuse would need to be replaced for somethig like this??


FYI. A computer diagnosis showed no error codes and I recently cleaned the IAC valve but it didn't fix the problem. Any ideas what to do next?

 

[2000StreetRod]

Which engine?

Do you have the SOHC, OHV or V8?

There are lots of possible causes of unstable idle. You've already tried the most likely cure of cleaning the IAC valve. Will the engine run smoothly below 1000 rpm if you depress the accelerator slightly?

I would never have thought of a blown fuse but if its associated with a sensor that's a possibility. How many miles do you have on your air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, ignition wires, PCV valve? When was the last time you added fuel injector cleaner to the tank?

Does the engine start normally when cold? Does it warm up properly? Does it not idle when warm and cold? If your engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is bad then it can cause poor idle. If your MAF sensor is dirty it can affect the idle. If the TPS is faulty it can result in a poor idle. If your EGR valve is stuck open the engine won't idle but there should be a fault code set.

Do you have any other symptoms? Is the acceleration normal? Does the engine stumble when climbing hills? Does it miss when cruising? Does the engine die in gear when coming to a stop?

 

[Eli21]

I have the SOHC, V6. It will run fine between 600-1000 RPM's as long I keep pressure on the accelerator. The truck has 145K miles. Not sure when was the last time the air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, ignition wires, PCV valve were changes. I've only had the truck for about a year.

I tried the fuel injector cleaner when I first started to experience the problem and it didn't help at all.

The engine starts find when cold as long as I push the accelerator. Yes it warms up properly. At this point it doesn't iddle when warm or cold.

The acceleration is normal. Again, as long as I keep the accelrator slightly pressed it works just fine.

Other symptoms, ... both my brake lights are out. Only the top tailgate brake light works. Also, one of my reverse lights doesn't work either. The bulbs are fine though. A few weeks ago my wife mentioned that she noticed a bit of white smoke coming from the steering column. I Haven't seen it. I am not sure if this is some sort of electrical issue that is causing all these problems. Very frustating!! I'm stationed in Germany and is really hard to find any knowlegable Ford Mechanics...

 

[2000StreetRod]

Sounds like the IAC valve

If it starts and idles fine with your foot slightly on the accelerator then I suspect that your IAC valve has failed. Cleaning one won't help if its bad but it's always best (cheapest) to try that first. To be certain its the IAC valve, and to get your vehicle idling until you can get a new one valve, I suggest that you perform the Idle adjustment procedure.

 

[garye]

just had the same problem, replaced iac valve, problem solved

good luck