Problems Starting

I was driving my 96 Explorer XLT and parked for about 30 minutes and when I tried to start it turned over, started and died immediatly. It did this for the next 20 minutes then all of the sudden it started. I drove 15 minutes home and stopped the engine then I started it right back up with no problem. Then 3 to 4 hours later it started and drove it about 20 minutes and then would not start again. I checked my fuel filter and it was fine, my fuel pump is pumping and I am stuck on what to check next. If anyone has an idea some help would be appreciated.

Thanks

It is probably you IAC Idle air controller, $42 at any parts store, 3 minutes to install, not dirty! When you see the part and open your hood you will go "I can do that!"

Would it be safe to say the same part would cause the same problem on a 2001 sport trac?
I've been having the same problem as described above and it has become steadily worse. It won't idle at all now. :banghead:
I am around the 72,000 mile mark.
Thanks in advance for any help you could offer

After reading the title of a lot of these posts, I would say that it is a very common problem and an easy fix. I did read one reference to cleaning the old one and having it work again. it certainly appears to be very hardy and not easy to damage. but i have know idea what part of it is supposed to be cleaned..

Just fixed it. Temp., style. Gave it a couple taps with a screwdriver. That'll get me to work and back then I'm going to take it apart and clean and lube it. Found the fix at mysporttrac.com.
Must give the credit to you sir, as I only found that from searching the IAC.