Rough idle problems.

[Firestorm]

Hello all.

I'm basically a newbie when it comes to fixing vehicles, and I'm having an idle problem. I would like to see what you guys think.

I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. 4.0 V6.

I was initially having this problem during cold morning starts. The vehicle idles really rough, and shakes the vehicle, then most times it will stall. I see that it idles at about 500, then will sometimes jump to 1500. It has happened to me during semi-warm days as well.

I've been reading through the MAF procedures to clean the sensors, as well as the IAC valve, but I haven't really gotten started on them.

About 3 weeks ago, I took the vehicle to Auto Zone and let them hook their computer up to it. It gave me a P0171, and a P0174. These receipts go on further with descriptions.

Went and got some supplies, the guy in automotives at Walmart told me not to use anything but compressed air on the MAF sensor, that it would tear it up...Heh, these guys also left the oil plug on my girlfriend's car loose too.

One more thing that I've noticed is that..I know that when it's cool, water will drain out of the tailpipe. It's not supposed to drain about 1/2 way up the pipe though, is it? In my garage I noticed that there is possibly a third leak too, perhaps right below or to the right side of the motor.

Like I've said, I don't really know too much about vehicles, or how to fix them. It seems, however, that you guys know your stuff. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you.
-Nathan.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Sounds to me like you have the upper intake manifold gaskets leaking. There is a TSB about those as well as a kit.

Search P0171 and P0174 and you will find your answer.

Sorry I am not more knowledgeable on these, I don't have a 4.0 to tinker with.

BTW: I moved this from Tech Corner- its not for questions.

 

[Firestorm]

Thank you for replying, Evan.

Generally I can't stand working on vehicles, but I actually enjoyed the little bit I did today.

I cleaned the MAF sensor, and the IAC valve, plus whatever is below it that the IAC valve connects to.

I took the negative battery cable off and let it set for about 20 minutes, still didn't make any difference.

In checking the intake manifolds, I'm not really sure what they look like, but I am searching through the forums, and learning what all I can as I go. I've seen somone say to use WD-40. Can you use Engine Starting fluid, or carburator cleaner?

Any information is very appreciated.

Thank you.
-Nathan.

 

[aldive]

Idle issues can be a double ***** to track down.

Take a look at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169335&highlight=quest .

Good luck ....

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Thank you for replying, Evan.

Generally I can't stand working on vehicles, but I actually enjoyed the little bit I did today.

I cleaned the MAF sensor, and the IAC valve, plus whatever is below it that the IAC valve connects to.

I took the negative battery cable off and let it set for about 20 minutes, still didn't make any difference.

In checking the intake manifolds, I'm not really sure what they look like, but I am searching through the forums, and learning what all I can as I go. I've seen somone say to use WD-40. Can you use Engine Starting fluid, or carburator cleaner?

Any information is very appreciated.

Thank you.
-Nathan.

I think the issue is the gaskets draw up, creating a lean condition, hence the lean codes. I think its NM0012 kit or something like that.....

 

[Firestorm]

Thank you for replying also, Aldive.

Would these gaskets drawing up cause water to pool under the tail pipes as well?

I believe after reading so much about them, that I am sold on the intake manifold gaskets...just worried about the water still.

Doesn't smell like oil, or any kind of fluid. It's natural for water to condense and drain out of the tail pipe, but there is a puddle under the tail pipe, and under the motor in less than 30 seconds..


Thanks for your advice.

-Nathan.

 

[ttbit]

Hey Neighbor,

I bet on the intake gaskets. The strange weather we have been having is probably causing your water coming out the pipe. (condensation) There are no water passages in the intake manifolds you will have to remove. Here is a post I did a couple of weeks ago. Sounds like what I had.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202607

 

[Firestorm]

Thanks alot Ttbit

You're right, the weather around here has been really strange. Supposed to be 60's tomorrow.

Guess this will be a weekend job. I really appreciate you guys.

I was looking at Autozone online. Could you tell me if this is what I need?

http://www.autozone.com/selectedZip...itialvehicleId,2663101/shopping/selectZip.htm

 

[ttbit]

That looks like the right gaskets! I got mine at the dealer and replaced the chain tensioner while I was in there. It is all part of the 00M12 kit. I think it was about $40. I took a few pics when I did mine. Email me through here if you would like them. It's not too bad of a job. I did break my vacuum T for the PCV valve, but was able to substitute with Autozone parts.

 

[Firestorm]

Seems like it would be alot easier to go ahead and do that.

I'm going to have to take one thing at a time right now, I'm worried that I'll get in too far over my head.

Thanks Ttbit.
-Nathan.

 

[ThePhoenix]

thats what I am worried about with the intake gasket repair...i cant afford to be towed out if I mess it up. Maybe some weekend I will get the courage, if I cant track down the reasons for the same codes

 

[MJVAUGHANS]

Any Fix Yet?

FIRESTORM,

I have the exact same symptoms that you noted in your original post. Have you fixed anything yet. The colder the weather in the morning the worse it is. It will idle on it own after about 60-90 seconds usually-but not before.

 

[Firestorm]

Nah I haven't gotten anything fixed yet.

As stated above, I tried cleaning the MAF, and the IAC, but neither worked.

I tried spraying WD-40 around the intake this morning, and the idle never changed. I was speaking to a co-worker of mine who works on vehicles on the side this morning also.

He seems to believe it is an O2 sensor. I have no idea, it seems that emissions are a money pit.

-Nathan.

 

[aldive]

If you think its the O2s, hook up a scanner and check their function.

Good luck ....

 

[Firestorm]

Finally fixed?

Finally got some time to attempt another cleaning on the IAC. I continued thinking after my CEL came back on the next day that I probably didn't do too good of a job.

About 40 degrees out today. I started my Explorer. Sputtered and wanted to stall several times, and had huge bursts of speed while pulling in the garage.

Took maybe 10 seconds, definetely not enough time for it to attempt to warm up.

Took cover off, and the IAC, went ahead and disconnected the battery.

Took electrcal cleaner and filled both ports of the IAC to the top. Set it down and started checking around the hoses to see if I could find a vacuum leak.

After about 5 minutes, I went back over to the IAC and shook it around. Sat it back down and returned again to shake it about 5 minutes later. Dumped the electrical cleaner out. Took a paper towel and dried it as much as I could, shook it upside down several times, then let it dry for about 5 minutes. Took a tooth pick and cleaned around the spring. Pulled down on it to make sure it was able to move.

Replaced. Turned on the switch and it came to life. Didn't attempt to stall, muffle, anything. Seems like I may have it fixed, but I will keep you updated.

Thank you all.

-Nathan.

 

[Firestorm]

Finally fixed?

Finally got some time to attempt another cleaning on the IAC. I continued thinking after my CEL came back on the next day that I probably didn't do too good of a job.

About 40 degrees out today. I started my Explorer. Sputtered and wanted to stall several times, and had huge bursts of speed while pulling in the garage.

Took maybe 10 seconds, definetely not enough time for it to attempt to warm up.

Took cover off, and the IAC, went ahead and disconnected the battery.

Took electrcal cleaner and filled both ports of the IAC to the top. Set it down and started checking around the hoses to see if I could find a vacuum leak.

After about 5 minutes, I went back over to the IAC and shook it around. Sat it back down and returned again to shake it about 5 minutes later. Dumped the electrical cleaner out. Took a paper towel and dried it as much as I could, shook it upside down several times, then let it dry for about 5 minutes. Took a tooth pick and cleaned around the spring. Pulled down on it to make sure it was able to move.

Replaced. Turned on the switch and it came to life. Didn't attempt to stall, muffle, anything. Seems like I may have it fixed, but I will keep you updated.

Thank you all for your help.

-Nathan.

Sorry about the repost.

 

[ttbit]

Glad you got it fixed. Wait a couple hours and try tonight. 15 degrees should be a good test for you!

 

[ThePhoenix]

in a couple of days you will know if you fixed the problem or not

quenstion: should we use any kinda lubricant on the IAC? I mean, it has a moving part...maybe a shot of WD40?

 

[gijoecam]

It will seem like it fixed it, but I'm sure it did not. The symptoms you described are the classic lower intake manifold gasket issues. Mine first surfaced more than two years ago. I did the MAF and IAC cleanings and thought the same thing. I even replaced my IAC thinking it was still sticking. The problem always returned in a day or three. Once the temps dropped into the low 50s, it started again.

I did the ooM12 service kit install just 2 weeks ago. It hasn't idled this nice in at least 2 years.

-Joe

 

[Firestorm]

Joe was correct.

Turned out not to be the fix, and I think Joe is right about the intake manifold gaskets. Have to find some time to do the OOM12 service kit to see if that takes care of the problem.

It does seem that it starts a little easier, but with a 15 degree, and 18 degree start up, it wasn't good at all.

Thanks again guys.

-Nathan.

Btw. I took the vehicle to Advanced the other day to see if I would get different readings off of their scanner. Only one I got was a P0174. Wonder what happened to the P0171, unless theirs just didn't pick it up.