Newbe Idle Problems

[beau]

I just bought my first x today. 98 Explorer Sport 4x4 v6 SOHC automatic with 101,000 miles.

Car is clean and the body is in great shape. When I test drove it, I noticed 2 things. First, the car idled rough. Second, there was an exhaust leak. I thought that the exhaust leak might be causing the rough idle, so I said I'd buy it if they replaced the exhaust system from the cat back. They did, and I bought it, but unfortunatly it still idles rough.

The engine pulls strong, the tranny shifts are crisp. I'll be very happy with the car if I can figure out the idle problem. Basically in drive at a stop the car sounds like its idleing normally, then it almost dies, then it goes back to idleing normally - just basically idles rough. Have any of you experienced this? Is it a common problem? Anybody care to guess at cause or best way to diagnose? Potential cost to fix? Anybody know a good shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

Thanks for helping the newbie.

 

[dman726749]

prob still has the factory plugs and wires, change them. also you might want to clean the IAC and the MAF. good luck gettin all this figured out. the search button at the top of the control pannel will allow you to search through all kinds of old post and see how people solved their problems.

Welcome

 

[beau]

Ahhh.... the search function. Yes, that probably would have been the place to start. Let me see if I can find a description of how to clean the IAC and MAF on here someplace. . .

 

[rbizzell]

I' am looking to buy the 2000-2001 limited edition explorer V8 AWD or the V6 4x4. Which model is more reliable and what type of problems if any should I watchout for? Thanks for your help.

 

[dreamr]

After having spent alot of time arguing with the dealer. And replacing things at home. Chasing a similar issue. My bet is on the IAC Valve. Pop the little black cap off and see if there is a difference. If so clean or replace. Plugs and wires are a good bet too.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Beau, did you get maintenance receipts with it??? If so, did the prior owner ever have
the intake manifold O-Rings replaced??? #1 cause of rough idle on the early SOHC engines. Search for 00M12 (Ford owner notification program number) and you'll find looootttts of info on problems w/the SOHC.

 

[beau]

No, I bought it from a dealership, so I didn't have an opportunity to talk to the last owner. I may call the dealer ship and see if I can get that owner's name though.

Is there any way to tell whether those o rings have been replaced by looking at the engine or perhaps if it was a recall I could call somewhere and give them the vin and see if there is a record of the work being done?

I'm going to try to clean the MAF and IAC tomorrow using instructions on this site and will see if that fixes it.

 

[beau]

BTW, I forgot to say thanks for the o-ring tip. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond.

 

[beau]

Hey, when cleaning the MAF, any reason not to take the whole MAF off and clean the sensors from the side? Or do I have to use that funky torx bit to take out the sensor from the MAF body?