Intermittent Starting Problem

[Dyjack]

I have a problem with my Explorer that is really getting OLD! I purchased the truck last year at this time and about 3 weeks after purchase it started...Intermittently when I go to start it in the morning it won't stay fired. It fires up, but then dies. When this happens the only thing to do is to use gas and brake at the same time for a while and then it will stop doing it after it gets warmed up. I have had it in the shop where I purchased it last year and they cleaned the throttle body and the IAC valve. After that I had no problems until about a month ago and it has started again. When taken to a mechanic, they always say "no codes are showing". The problem usually stops by the time you get it to the shop for them to look at it because it is warmed up!!! Would replacing the IAC valve help? It is doing it again this morning and I want to try something myself this time before the problem gets worse again. Please advise!!! Seems to happen when it is colder outside but not sure on that.

 

[madmoose]

Have your local garage look at the coolant temp sensors, make sure that they are sending the right signals to the pcm. or you could also have a bad tps sensor, does this vehical run better when warm.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Is this an emergency? That's what this forum is for. I would check fuel pressure at the fuel rail for starters. If it doesn't show up at the mechanics because it has warmed up, leave it to cool off overnight and have them look at it in the morning.

 

[TPLYNCH]

If it's the SOHC engine it may be a problem with the Intake Manifold O-rings.

 

[01EB5.0]

I would replace the IAC...it worked on my 95 and my 01 when it idled bad.

 

[Blee1099]

Check the IAC and check the fuel system. And let's move this over to another forum, okay mods

 

[witchdoctor]

Sounds an awful lot like the crankshaft position sensor.

Happened to me a few months ago.

 

[01EB5.0]

Originally posted by witchdoctor
Sounds an awful lot like the crankshaft position sensor.

Happened to me a few months ago.

DId that go away once it warmed up, though??

 

[witchdoctor]

Nope. At first it started out (or so it seemed) when it was cold. Then it got progressively worse, but never would happen, I might add, when I took it to the mechanic.

It took a couple of months for me to figure out what was wrong.....eventually it got to where it wouldn't start at all. All for a $20 part.

 

[swep1]

This is almost exactly what I have been experiencing with my '96 Explorer (see post in this very forum). If you happen to find the culprit, I would love to know as I too have managed to get it to the local Ford dealer who tells me they can't find the problem.

 

[dogfriend]

I think its the IAC. The clue is that by keeping your foot on the gas pedal, you can keep it running. You are compensating for a non-working IAC by letting in more air to keep the engine running.

 

[witchdoctor]

i think dogfriend is right. i'm sorry, but i missed the part about having to stand on the gas until it warms up or it won't keep running.

that does sound like the IAC. if it were the CKP it would run just fine after you finally got it started.