Problem while idle....

[Rjlmnr]

I have an 02 Explorer Sport with 82000 miles on it. I've had a bit of a problem lately, when I start the car and just let it sit there, the car kind of rumbles and seems like it's gonna quit. It has quit on my twice, but I am can always start it back up. My friend thought it might be air filter or oil even though I need to change those, those two things seemed fine. While driving the other night, I noticed my dashboard and headlights looked like they were dimming a bit each time it was gonna give out. I'm wondering if it is my battery, but this is the second battery I've gotten for this car. So I'm a little confused as to what I should do.....

JA

 

[Jellysick]

Alternator?

 

[tower]

Mine did the same thing changed my plugs and all was good.

 

[Old As Dirt]

Does yours have a voltmeter located on the instrument panel? If so, do you notice any corresponding voltage fluctuations during this activity? Also, is it reading somewhere below about 14 volts during normal idling or driving? If so, it might be the voltage regulator (located within the alternator) failing causing sudden demands on the alternator and causing it to put a tremendous load on the engine. I think Jellysick is on the right path.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

An idling issue like your describing can be many different things. A good place to start would be to check for a misfire issue. Also check for any type of vaccum leaks that may, after the engine warms up, seal up when its warmer. Also, Fords are known for the IAC Valves going sour - look into replacing/cleaning that out.

The alternator is more than likely fine - what you are seeing is since the engine is running at a lower RPM sometimes they alternator does't spend fast enough to produce the current it needs. the voltmeter on the gauge isn't really as accurate as it should be - but is a slight indication of what kind of status your battery is at - but I say that with 5% confidence. My gauge had been reading fine for months on end and then one day my truck wouldn't start cause of a dead battery?? accurate? doubt it. good luck

-Drew

 

[BigR]

Try the IAC, Idle air controller. Search the site for IAC and read up. Had mine replaced for about $110. Solved my rough idle, stalling conditions. Should have done the replacement myself and saved the $30 labor. 2 bolts, easy access.

My '02 actually wouldn't stay running at idle. Sounds like you're on the way there. Headlights will dim at low idle from insufficient rpms of the alternator.

Randy

 

[Rjlmnr]

Update....

Ok well I just had my car looked at by a friend. And the computer said that there were problems with my EGR valve, my O2 sensors, and three of my cylinders (#2, #3, , #6) were misfiring. On top of that my fuel filter needs to be changed. He referred me to one of his good friends that has a shop in the city I live in, I just wanted to know what I should do about the situation and to see if anyone had any insight on these problems.....thanks

JA

 

[jeff.dunham]

I am having a similar problem.
During driving conditions some of the time the vehicle acts up and seems to miss fire. (so the dealership said)
It acts like it has no power and bogs down. (under no load) If I accelerate quickly it will go and then bog down for a second and stay at a certain rpm and then take off again.
It has died on me a few times but only during idle and when it is still cold.

The dealership changed the following:
-fuel filter
-plugs, wires, 1-coil, 8 coil wire boots
-cleaned MAS
-air filter

They said that the engine was misfiring erraticlly on all cylinders and that the fuel pump was putting out 5lbs over specs.

Any help would be great.
Thanks- Jeff

 

[Old As Dirt]

Has anyone checked for restricted exhaust?

 

[Justinkees]

I have a similar problem!
My 98 Explorer XLT when at a stop light the RPM's drop down to around 200-400 and idles reall rough!!
When i'm driving it feels like my throttle is sticking?!?!
When i take my foot off the gas it stays up to speed like the cruise control is on??
I've replaced the IAC valve and the fuel filter this weekend but that didn't help at all.
Someone told me it could be a bad tank of gas!?!?
Help!!!