2000 Ford Explorer Idle Issues

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bootersclub@gmail.com - 25 Mar 2007 17:41 GMT

Whenever I start my 2000 Ford Explorer the RPMs start at 1000 and drop
down to 500. Sometimes its starts for a second then dies all
together. Then there are other times where it starts fine and holds
RPMs, but when I am halfway to my destination, the RPMs will drop back
down to 500 and feel like its about to die. I've tried cleaning and
lubricating the battery and the weather here is not that bad, so I
dont think that that would be an issue. Any help would be greatly
appreciated. Thanks.

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Al Williams - 26 Mar 2007 17:40 GMT

Sounds like your IAC needs cleaning or replacing - lots of stuff written on
it. Google "Explorer IAC".

Could also be intake gaskets, but try IAC first.

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Allan Williams

> Whenever I start my 2000 Ford Explorer the RPMs start at 1000 and drop
> down to 500. Sometimes its starts for a second then dies all
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> dont think that that would be an issue. Any help would be greatly
> appreciated. Thanks.

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Paul G. - 27 Mar 2007 01:26 GMT

On Mar 25, 8:41 am, bootersc...@gmail.com wrote:

> Whenever I start my 2000 Ford Explorer the RPMs start at 1000 and drop
> down to 500.

Mine does the same thing, I think that part is normal.

> Sometimes its starts for a second then dies all
> together.

That sounds like the IAC valve.

> Then there are other times where it starts fine and holds
> RPMs, but when I am halfway to my destination, the RPMs will drop back
> down to 500 and feel like its about to die.

Is that while you're trying to drive down the road, or sitting at a
stop? 500 rpm at a stop is normal. If it happens driving down the
road... does the 2000 have a fuel pump relay? My 1994 had a problem
like that, caused by a bad fuel pump relay.
-Paul

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Booters - 28 Mar 2007 03:01 GMT

> On Mar 25, 8:41 am, bootersc...@gmail.com wrote:
>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> like that, caused by a bad fuel pump relay.
> -Paul

It drops to 500 when I am stopped, but it has only recently started
doing that within the last couple months or so. Normally it would
idle at 1000. Not sure if it has a fuel pump relay, I'll look into
that. Thanks.

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Paul G. - 28 Mar 2007 18:42 GMT

> > On Mar 25, 8:41 am, bootersc...@gmail.com wrote:
>
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
> idle at 1000. Not sure if it has a fuel pump relay, I'll look into
> that. Thanks.

OK, it's not the fuel pump relay. Sure sounds like the IAC (Idle Air
Control) valve. It adjusts the amount of air the engine gets at idle.
I believe it should idle at 500 rpm when warmed up. If it doesn't,
it's most likely the IAC which is known to stick or get clogged. You
can replace it or there is a procedure for cleaning it, do a Google
search for that.

The other common problem is intake manifold vacuum leaks. That affects
idle and can vary because the parts expand/contract with engine
temperature.
-Paul

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