Poor idle in my 01 sport

[erikvanden]

My explorer seems to be having an idle problem. When idling for a period of time the RPMs tend to move up and down a lot. The vehicle will sound like it is about to die but then it looks like the ecu adds fuel to keep it going. But then the RPMs will eventually drop and the engine will have problems staying running again.


I assume that it is some sort of fuel delivery issue. dirty injectors, dirty fuel filter, bad gaskets, ect. I was just wondering how to go about fixing this. I don't know where the injectors or fuel filter are located in the sohc engine and how to remove them to clean them. I was also wondering if just seafoaming the engine would be enough. But if i did that would I need to replace the plugs? and what line would I run the seafoam through? I own a repair manual but almost none of it is relevant to the 01 sport.

 

[swshawaii]

Clean the IAC, Throttle Body, and Mass Air Flow Sensor. (Search MAF)
All three should be considered routine maintenance on the 4.0 SOHC

Also check the bottom link for the infamous PCV elbow cracking. GL

No trouble codes?

http://www.mysporttrac.com/mysporttrac/projects/CleaningIAC/CLEANING_IAC_MOTOR.htm

http://www.mysporttrac.com/MySportTrac/projects/ThrottleBodyCleaning/Throttle_Cleaning.htm

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314670

 

[erikvanden]

Clean the IAC, Throttle Body, and Mass Air Flow Sensor. (Search MAF)
All three should be considered routine maintenance on the 4.0 SOHC

Also check the bottom link for the infamous PCV elbow cracking. GL

No trouble codes?

http://www.mysporttrac.com/mysporttrac/projects/CleaningIAC/CLEANING_IAC_MOTOR.htm

http://www.mysporttrac.com/MySportTrac/projects/ThrottleBodyCleaning/Throttle_Cleaning.htm

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314670

no codes at all. I don't think it is to that point yet.

 

[swshawaii]

Attack the IAC first. Should you decide to clean the TB and MAF sensor,
use the specific CRC brand cleaners that are made for them.
Removing the very expensive, and delicate MAF sensor with the security T-20 Torx bit is not necessary.
Disconnect the intake tube from the air box, and clean the sensor wires thoroughly using the spray tube.

 

[erikvanden]

update: i Checked everything you posted. That PCV line didn't appear to be cracked but I had some problems locating it.

The throttle body and IAC were very dirty. Ill see if this fixes it. I didn't use anything special. just carb and chock cleaner. Otherwise I might need to get at the injectors. I am sure they are all gunked up as well.

 

[swshawaii]

Hopefully cleaning the TB and IAC solved the problem.
If you need to clean the mass air flow sensor,
make sure to use the specific cleaner. Stay posted.

 

[erikvanden]

It seems to be running better now. Cross my fingers.

 

[erikvanden]

after waiting on it. The idle still appears to be rough. It is much better than before and the RPMs don't shoot up and down.

However It appears the the engine is still having trouble idleing and it isn't smooth.

So what is next? MAP sensor?

 

[swshawaii]

You can spray the MAF sensor without removing it from the housing.
Sensor filaments are very delicate and an expensive part to replace.

 

[erikvanden]

You can spray the MAF sensor without removing it from the housing.
Sensor filaments are very delicate and an expensive part to replace.

Where is the MAF sensor? I assume it is in the intake some where.

 

[swshawaii]

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/m...EW=1191280&REPLYCOUNT=16&sitename=mysporttrac

 

[erikvanden]

http://www.mysporttrac.com/shared/m...EW=1191280&REPLYCOUNT=16&sitename=mysporttrac

Do I just spray it? do I need to take anything apart at all? like remove the intake or the intake snorkel.

 

[swshawaii]

READ the last reply from the link. GL

Just disconnect the wiring connector, disconnect the MAF from the air box, and then disconnect it from the hose going to the TB. Then, spray the MAF cleaner on the sensor and let it sit for a bit to dry. Reassemble everything and you're done! Piece o'cake

 

[gonenuke]

Dont forget to disconect the battery after doing this, so the puter can reset itself.