Rough Idle, Bucking Stalls 2000 EB V6.

[mail_johnjames]

Hi Friends,
I have a 2000 Ford Explorer with 130,000 miles on it. The problem started 3 months back when the truck has a rough idle - the idle will not stay constant and will jump between 500 and 1000 rpm. Also, when I come to a complete stop it will buck when accelerating.

I cleaned the IAC valve and it was good for around 500 miles, then on a road trip, I was having same issues - So, I replace it with a new IAC valve and completed 4000+ miles without any issues.

A couple of days ago, its having the same problem. The mechanic said it was a PCV valve and replaced it after some diagnostics - it said Bank1 and Bank2 lean error. After I drove from the garage, I am having the same issues again.

I think the mechanic charged me $120 for nothing. Please help me identify and correct this issue.

I appreciate all your help.

Thank you,
James

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread to the stock 95-01 section. What are the code numbers? It sounds like the MAF might need to be cleaned.

 

[eXcali]

before you get to far from the work done date, I would take it back and tell them they didn't fix your problem. Might put a little pressure on them if they decide to push you down a road of repairs and if nothing else get them to credit the $120 to the REAL repair. Might take some pushing on your part though.

 

[mail_johnjames]

Hi,
Thanks for your replies.

Actually, I had driven to Yukon, 40 miles from my home when this happened and I got it repaired(replaced the PCV valve). I am not confident in the vehicle to drive it 40 miles or even a few miles. I may need to take it to someone a few miles from my home(if I am not able to fix it).

Actually I dont know exactly the codes. only "Bank1 and Bank2 - System too Lean" errors. After the mechanic replaced the PCV valve they reset the codes, so now I dont even get the Check Engine Light.

I replaced the fuel filter around 5 months back (maybe 6000 miles ago). Could it be fuel injectors?...

Thank you

 

[aldive]

Check for vacuum leaks.

 

[mail_johnjames]

I disconnected the MAF sensor connector to see if the up& down idle goes away but it still did not. So, I think the MAF sensor is not the issue.

Can you please guide me on how to check for vacuum leaks?

Thanks,
James

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check for cracked/broken/unplugged vacuum lines. Spray intake cleaner on the side of the intake manifold to see if the idle changes. If it does, then it means that the intake manifold gaskets are leaking.

 

[96eb96]

Hi Friends,
I have a 2000 Ford Explorer with 130,000 miles on it. The problem started 3 months back when the truck has a rough idle - the idle will not stay constant and will jump between 500 and 1000 rpm. Also, when I come to a complete stop it will buck when accelerating.

I cleaned the IAC valve and it was good for around 500 miles, then on a road trip, I was having same issues - So, I replace it with a new IAC valve and completed 4000+ miles without any issues.

A couple of days ago, its having the same problem. The mechanic said it was a PCV valve and replaced it after some diagnostics - it said Bank1 and Bank2 lean error. After I drove from the garage, I am having the same issues again.

I think the mechanic charged me $120 for nothing. Please help me identify and correct this issue.

I appreciate all your help.

Thank you,
James

These trucks have issues with intake gaskets failing, I know there is a kit to update them so they don't leak air. That is something to keep in mind.

The other thing you should do is go to an auto store and get CRC MAF sensor cleaner in a gray can. Very Carefully remove the MAF and spray according to can directions. You can search the web for specifics on how to do this. You may need a special security torx bit (a few dollars) to get it out. The maf is in your air filter housing.

Dirty MAFs cause all kinds of lean air codes and issues when you accelerate. A dirty MAF is like having a cold with a stuffed nose, the computer is confused like you would think a garbage dump is a rose garden.

 

[mail_johnjames]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I replaced the air filter which looked a little dirty and I cleaned the MAF sensor. Now it is good - rock steady idle and good acceleration. Do I need to remove the torx nuts to check? - I just sprayed the 2 filaments with the cleaner.

Thanks again !