Sport won't idle! Save me from the dealer service dept!

[Tom98Sport]

I went out to start my Explorer 98' (4.0) yesterday and it started up but unless I keep my foot on the gas it will cut off. It won't idle.

Before I get reamed by the dealer (which I have an appointment with tomorrow) I was wondering if anyone out there knows if there is anything I can look for before it goes. Is there a throttle switch/sensor or fuse to check? Anything simple?

I had the throttle body replaced by my local Ford dealer a month or so ago under a safety recall.

Thanks
Tommy

 

[ok89]

Good luck with the dealer
I took my truck in yesterday at about 7:30 in the morning and as of 11:30 am today there are still 8 cars in front of it just to get LOOKED at let alone fixed.

 

[KEbert]

Sounds like air/fuel to me. Check your filter, lines and such. Dealers suck.

 

[gh99sport]

My 99 did the exact same thing last November. It was the idle control motor. Had it fixed under warranty.

 

[Tom98Sport]

Go figure!!!

I got to the dealer today to leave it for the day. I pull up in the parking lot and the m-th-rf--k-r runs like nothing happend!

I called them later and they say they hooked it up to the computer and got no codes! So I said try it again in the morning after it sits overnight. We'll see what happens.

Hey KEbert, you didn't by chance find out how much it was to fix did you. I know you got it fixed under warranty but just curious.

NAPA wants $128.00 for one. (If that is the problem)

Tommy
(I still love the truck, I think)

 

[WarGhost]

hey Tom98Sport

I had the exact same problem a few weeks ago... check the Throttle Position Sensor. Don't trust the ford tech's when they tell you nothing is wrong. Everyone I talked to says that a TP sensor on it's way out should at least throw some kind of code. Just my 2 cents.

WarGhost

 

[Tom98Sport]

Well the dealer had it for two days. Tried it cold this morning and they could not get any symptoms.
Thier computer found no codes what so ever.

Oh well, just hope it doesn't come back.

Tommy
($65.00 poorer, damn computers)

Good thing I have my carberated 1970 LTD as a backup.

 

[Skunk]

I got the same truck and there is a problem with the throttle body sticking open and closes, this is a widely known problem with this truck, for some strange reason ford didnt send out a recall on it, I work in dealerships all damn day so i get to find out all this good crap, anyway check that out, maybe just a can of airintake cleaner will do the trick as I have seen it work in the past, good luck.

 

[gijoecam]

Mine did the same thing with 1000 miles on it... turned out to be the TPS, but it didn't get better on its own...

Seems wierd that it wouldn't throw a code... I wonder if the checked for the code BEFORE or After they reset the memory???

-Joe-

 

[fgump]

I had the same problem on my '00 XLT SOHC at 38,000 miles. Removed Idle Air Control Valve, under plastic shroud over upper intake manifold. Valve is held on with two bolts; remove connector first. Spray a little bit of carburetor cleaner *(make sure it's O2 sensor safe), then blow out with compressed air. Reinstall, and it should idle just fine. Mine never set a code either, MIL never lit up.

Along the same lines, I was playing basketball last Wednesday at a local Swedish telecommunications company's basketball court (rhymes with Schmerricson), when I spotted a '01 Sport stalled out trying to leave the parking lot. Watched for about 10 minutes as the owner and security guard stood scratching their heads, looking under the hood. Curiosity got the best of me, so I got in my car (wasn't driving the Explorer), and rode over to see what was up.

Get this: it would start, then just die. I asked the guy if he had a pair of pliers or socket set. He didn't, but the security guard went to get some. We removed his IAC valve, cleaned it out, reinstalled, and it started and idled like a champ.

BTW, he had 37,000 miles on the engine, 4.0L SOHC.

I don't think Ford will recall something that doesn't affect driveability, since you can still drive the vehicle, you just can't sit still in it! I've added "remove IAC valve, clean, reinstall" to my 15k mile service.