Idling Problems

[tm89242]

I have a 2004 Explorer XLT 4.0L SOHC and I am having idling problems with it. When I first start it it idles up and down and will die. I have to restart it a couple times before it finally levels out and runs. When I come to a stop it sometimes acts like it wants to die. It also died on me the other day and would not restart. I had to let it sit several hours before it would restart and run. I don't know if it matters but mine is a vin K model that does the flex fuel. I took it to a shop and had a computer ran on it because the check engine light came on and it came back as an Idle Air Control Valve was bad. I have done some research on here and learned that apparently my Explorer doesn't have one on it so I don't understand why it would come up as that. Any ideas as to what the problem could be would be greatly appreciated.

Tommy

 

[Rarestace]

the explorers do have the IAC valve and if its bad or dirty it can cause the problems yours is describing i had a similar issue with my dads old marque try taking it off and clean it with some carb cleaner and see if it helps your idle and stalling

 

[jrford]

With my '04 there is no IAC. its operated by the motor on the throttle plate. Since its fly by wire it can do that by itself. With a cable setup it needed the IAC to allow the extra air in.

how old is the battery? My heep did the same thing just two weeks ago when it was 0F. On startup the battery was so weak it actually reset the PCM. It took about 20minutes and had to warm up to operating temp to Relearn its idle parameters. I tested this by putting it on a trickle charger overnight, started and ran fine. Tested the battery - Bad.
Replaced the battery and all is fine.

Other than that the throttle body might need a cleaning? Or it could be going bad, but make sure you have a good strong battery.

 

[1AJeremyD]

The throttle position sensor could be bad as well as the battery. Try doing a search and you will see a ton of people already on this topic.

 

[Cjpooch]

Here's a link if you want to try to clean your IAC.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84220

 

[tm89242]

Here's a link if you want to try to clean your IAC.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84220

My Explorer doesn't have an Idle Air Control valve. Here is a link to a post about the same problem with an intake pictured but mine looks nothing like this it doesn't have one.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=280738&highlight=location+idle+control+valve