is this normal on cold startup?

[gensic11]

i was one of the many who was hit with the real bad snow storm.. i am noticing when the truck hasn't been warmed up for a long time (overnight or what not) it wants to die for a long time before it reaches a steady normal RPM.. now i know my truck idles normally around 700-1000 when it's warm.. but it drops in a heartbeat when its cold and almost dies.. it usually picks itself up around 400RPM to around 2000.. but then drops again.. i have to sit on the gas until it warms up decently.. now it hasn't died yet.. but it drops real hard and shakes bad like its gonna die.. i dont think this is very normal, is there anything i could do to get it not to do this?? any ideas?

 

[j602]

You could try running some SeaFoam through it to smooth out the idle.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Your IAC is probably starting to crap out. Your truck should start and run fine at 0 degrees after sitting for a whole week. Something is hookey.

 

[gensic11]

yea i think you're right about the IAC.. i think seafoam would help but for the long run i dont think it would do much good.. i just know cars aren't supposed to almost die just cause it's cold out.. how much are new IAC's for explorers and how hard is installation

 

[Mbrooks420]

I think my last one was 40, and takes about 5 minutes. It's right out in the open, and uses torx bolts.

 

[j602]

I think my last one was 40, and takes about 5 minutes. It's right out in the open, and uses torx bolts.

40? Where did you buy it at? I was checking price awhile back on RockAuto because I thought mine was about to go out, and they were like 75 bucks!

 

[j602]

EDIT: Server said my post didn't go through. Guess it did.

 

[gensic11]

so where can i get a new IAC?

 

[2talll]

It might be the intake manifold gaskets. I have the same problem and came across some info on a recall from Ford (00m12) that should fix the problem. You can search for it on Google to get more info from people who had similiar problems. Going to call Ford on Monday and ask them why they failed to mention this recall when I asked them about this problem- they said I'd need to fork over $650 to replace the thermostat, the drive belt and the intakes.

 

[aldive]

so where can i get a new IAC?

Try http://www.fordpartsnetwork.com/ , they are a sponsor of this site.

 

[gensic11]

ok so are you saying the intake manifold gaskets is an extended warranty or would it be a recall? i have 68k+ miles on my 1997 so im guessing that would mean i'm not ok for the warranty on them... but if it's a recall i can take it in whenever so.. i did a little search for it but it sounded like you were talking about a warranty on them and not a recall..

secondly i saw a search for transmission making a whisteling noise.. or a whining noise.. mine does that when i idle - it goes away when i hit the gas and someone said there was a fix for that too, anyone know why it does that?

 

[Mbrooks420]

If your whistling goes away when you press the gas it is likely the IAC valve on the motor. Very easy to replace, and cost's around $50.

 

[gensic11]

ya.. the thing is it sounds like its comin from the tranny - there is no whistling in the motor bay at all

 

[2talll]

My dad called the dealership where we bought my explorer and they said it is an extended warranty (6 years, 72,000 miles). They are going to look at it on Wednesday and replace what needs to be replaced. Funny how when he explained the hard start/idle problem and the check engine light comiing up running lean- they immediately though of the intake manifold gasket and filled my dad in on the warranty. My local ford on the other hand gave me a list of $650+ worht of stuff to do to try to fix it, not mentioning this at all.