Initial throttle stick, then releases...

[crankybe]

My fiance has brought a 99 explorer sport 4WD into our lives and I am pretty pleased with it overall. There is one thing that is bugging her/me however, occassionally the accelerator seems to stick when initally pressed and then breaks loose so the vehicle lunges forward. Is this common and if so, is there an easy fix? Thanks.

 

[kfkodiak]

It's fairly common for the Throttle Body to gum up and stick intermittently, especially after the truck has been parked. There is a thread on cleaning it you can search for, or worst case just replace it.

Try this: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157768&highlight=clean+throttle+body

Welcome to the site!

 

[pservecc]

My 98 did that when it was new. I had gotten into the habit of breaking it loose before starting the engine to avoid the lunge. There was a recall for it about 5 years ago. They replaced the throttle body and I've had no problems with it since.

 

[gijoecam]

FWIW, mine does it too. About once a year I have to remove it, de-gunk it, re-lube it, and reinstall it. Works great for about 4 months and starts again.

I had the recall done on it a few years back.... never really made much of a difference. IIRC, the recall was to prevent it from icing in high-humidity though... had nothing to do with sticking off idle.

-Joe

 

[pservecc]

Must be a different issue then...

 

[kfkodiak]

My TB was replaced under that recall, but did it again anyway. Cleaning has solved the problem so far.

 

[crankybe]

Thank you all very much for your replies, I really appreciate it. Sorry, I was off-line the past day or I would have thanked you sooner!

 

[jp450]

My 99 does the same thing. I never got the recall...

 

[flyncasafo]

Super easy fix. Pull the TB off and clean with TB Cleaner from the auto parts store and your good as new. I do this now about every other oil change and it really keeps it nice and clean.