Why does my '94 Explorer idle low??

[xplorer1994]

Greetings all!

I'm trying to figure out why my '94 explorer idles low when I first start it??? Usually around 500rpms ??? If I turn the A/C on it will then jump to 800...... or if I run it for a long time, it will also idle at 800 ..... I took it in to a couple of shops and they said they can't figure it out..... anyone here have an idea ??

Just to get a few things out of the way......

It has a new PCV valve...... No Engine codes...... has new plugs and wires...

Thanks in advance!

 

[Tbars4]

...normally it should idle at 600-800 rpm...turning the a.c. on it will go up to compensate, say 250 rpm...

a couple quick questions,when was the last time you actually had your timing checked??? i would also recheck the plugs for gap and when was the last time your fuel filter was changed???

 

[colindo94]

TPS perhaps?

 

[xplorer1994]

I just changed the plugs maybe a month and a half ago.... I will recheck the gap..........
Changed the fuel filter right around the time I did the plugs...

Would timing be a problem if when I step hard on the accelerator it has just as much get up and go as when I bought it ???? had 116,000 on her then.... has 189,000 on her now....

My biggest worry is when it turns to winter here..... we have already had a few colder mornings (from Northern Wisconsin) and when I try and start it up it seems like it cranks over forever... then if I stop cranking it... and right away turn the key, it fires up right away...... dunno if this is also part of the problem?

Still need to change my auto hubs over to manual yet....

As far as the TPS..... I was told that if there is no engine code.... it shouldn't be the problem...

Thanks for the replies!!

I can't wait to get that explorer is good running shape.... looks like a fun little vehicle for off roading, hunting and fishing..... Still got to change my Auto hubs over to manuals for the 4 wheel drive!

 

[Tbars4]

...i would still start with the basics mentioned...if you are not sure of the timing then yes, i would have it checked...you may also need to replace your battery cables with new...another condition of bad starting and no signs as the negative cable may be corroded inside...until we get some feedback it's still a guessing game...
...as for a fun vehicle for camping and fishing, yes...but in 4wd with your explorer, getting there is as much fun....

 

[MrShorty]

Have you checked fuel pressure, especially when it's having its idling problem? This:

when I try and start it up it seems like it cranks over forever... then if I stop cranking it... and right away turn the key, it fires up right away...... dunno if this is also part of the problem?

sounds to me like fuel pressure isn't coming up immediately like it should.

Have you cleaned the IAC? Checked for vacuum leaks?

 

[xplorer1994]

Thanks for the replies everyone..... looks like I still have a little more work to do..........

I must say, since I began working on the explorer(numerous projects), this forum has been VERY helpful....

 

[mikeinri]

My guess would be vacuum leaks.

Mike

 

[JMan689]

Mine idled around 800 and then i ran half a can of seafoam through the tank when it was 1/4 full and now it idles at 600.

 

[quicklook2]

iac = idle air control is a good place to look.

 

[privetryan89]

You might have a blown gasket. The same thing happend to my 98. Check the gasket by the manifod, they have a tendency of blowing out, which would be the reason that your rpms are so low. No pressure.

 

[Mic_]

id agree with the vacuum leak or IAC motor