Weak starting sometimes/not running well.....

[Scot from S.C.]

Hi all, I am a new member in search of some help. I have a '96 V6 Explorer with about 173,000 miles on it. It has been a great vehicle up to this point. On occasion, maybe once a week or so, it can be very hard to crank. In addition, when I get it started (with a combination of me giving it gas to encourage it to keep running), it wants to choke down and the rpm's will want to run low with the battery light coming on when it gets low (I guess to show that it is about to cut off.) Now after I keep my foot on the gas, feathering it around 1500 to 2000 rpm's, it will finally catch right and I will be able to take my foot off of the gas and drive away. I have tried fuel injector cleaner, I have checked the battery for corrosion and even had the battery and alternator checked. Does anyone have any clues? All of the plugs and wires seem to be fine as well.

I have a second problem that may be related to the first one. My shift selector over the past couple of months or so has someone gotten off track a bit. In other words, it still goes into the right gear, but the little red marker is a bit off of center where it used to be. In fact, when I put it in reverse the back up lights don't come on anymore. I have to hold it manually nearer the R to get them to come on if I want them on.

I am sorry to be so long winded, but I was hoping to try and get some advice for my problem. The garages around here, much less the dealerships, overcharge to the extreme. Thanks so much in advance!

 

[Scot from S.C.]

By the way, sometimes when the Explorer doesn't want to start, I can push the gear selector all the way to the left and it will catch fine. I know this must be related to the second problem I detailed, but I figured that I would mention that too since it may help you guys give me some advice. Thanks again.

 

[Scot from S.C.]

By the way.....

By the way, I have always used 93 octane gas in it.

 

[97BlackX5.0]

ever done a tuneup, plugs wires etc...

 

[Scot from S.C.]

Tune-up.....

I last performed one about 30,000 miles ago. How often do you guys do them?

 

[97BlackX5.0]

every 60k or so....wires every other time unless something wrong with them does it run smooth once you get it going.... any loss of power or noises.... i couldnt really even begin to guess at the problem.... maybe the trans is trying to engage when your trying to crank.... try putting it in neutral when you are having problems cranking....

 

[Scot from S.C.]

Thanks for the information.....

Thanks for the information. I am going to go out and buy myself a good manual (Chiltons or Haynes) on my Explorer. I really want to fix this problem because I have enjoyed my Explorer so much, plus it is paid for. Once I figure out what is wrong mechanically maybe I can figure out what is wrong with my console cd changer. But I need to fix the basics first so I don't get stranded.

 

[Scot from S.C.]

Manual.....

Well, I have the manual, but to tell you the truth I still haven't figured this problem out, so I am giving the thread a shameless bump in the hopes that someone will read it and suggest something else for me to try.

 

[barnieman]

It may be your IAC-valve. This controls the air flow when you don't have your foot on the gas. Try cleaning it.