Low Idle

[Strongbad]

Hey, I just bought my '94 explorer XLT about a week ago, and it is idling really low, when it is cold. When I start it and don't give it gas, it stalls right away. If I can keep it goin for a few minutes, it idles at about 500 RPM. Does anyone know how to fix the idle RPM?

 

[BradE.]

The idle is controled by the computer so you really can't make adjustments to it. You will need to have it reset probably at the dealer with a Ford NGS Star Tester.

Have you tried installing a new Idle Air Control Valve? It's a long shot but it might help.

 

[dogfriend]

check these threads

Dead Link Removed

Dead Link Removed

Dead Link Removed

 

[Strongbad]

Well, I'm having a friend look at it tomorrow, but i'll check out the IAC if he can't find anything that would cause the low idle. What I don't understand is that I'm havin the exact same problem that the other people had when their engines are warm, when mine is cold.

 

[dogfriend]

It is true that others had problem when engine was warm, but yours could be sticking all of the time and / or just not working at all. The IAC seems the most likely cause of your problem.

Since your problem occurs cold, your problem should be easier to diagnose, especially if it is occuring all the time (not intermittent)

 

[Strongbad]

Good news! My friend took a look at it, and turned a screw, and it's idling fine! Thanks, all

 

[Jason_25]

Originally posted by Strongbad
Good news! My friend took a look at it, and turned a screw, and it's idling fine! Thanks, all

I somehow doubt that it's idling fine. As stated before, the explorer's idle is non-adjustable. Whatever your friend did, probably just masked the real problem. Did he turn the throttle cable adjustment?

 

[Strongbad]

i think so

 

[Robert]

If your friend adjusted the throttle plate adjusting screw, then your idle will probably work its way back down to where it was. This is the case with the later models as the computer detects that the idle is higher than it is supposed to be and adjusts it accordingly. I'm not sure if the '94s have the same capability though. I assume they do since the idle is also nonadjustable on them.