Cold start trouble

When I start my 98 explorer in the mornings the engine immediately races to 2500-3000 RPM and drops to less than 1,000 RPM, then back up, then down and sometimes dies, at low RPMs it runs real rough. All of this happens until the engine gets good and warm.

Any ideas what it could be?

idle air control valve

I had the same problem with my 98 4.0 SOHC. First we started with a tune up since it had original wires (104k miles) then had the IAC vlave replaced. Still had the same problem so found out today the manifold gasket was brittle and leaking.

Is it a 4.0L SOHC? Ford Motor Company has a recall for this symptom. The recall kit includes replacing the intake manifold gaskets, timing chain tensioner, and oil passage tube. If your vehilce is under 100,000 miles ... you can try any Ford dealerships to replace them for u for free(not 100% sure that all dealership will do that).

Hmmm... I'm trying this first on the 97 sport, Truck run's fine just sometime's it won't start for her...

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=316147

More Details the Recall 00m12 Kit is yl2z-9e473-aa. Had it put in today and also the 00b40 turn switch switch recall yl5z-13k359-aaa.
I had the cold start issues on my 99 limited and tommorrow well be Cooooold here in MPLS. Good test

Its a good fix! I'd start with this recall instead of my plugs,wires,fuel filter,fuel pump,Air flow sensor. I fought this one for 2 years with no debug codes, it was frustrating! Only happen when below freezing and would not run for anything for 5 minutes. Now turn the key an go...A big THANK YOU to this website!!!!

THanks Guys!!!! I was getting ready to blow $400 on intakes because my local Ford said that was the problem. I'll have my parents call the delaership back where I bought it and see if they'll do the recalls for it.

The Ford here is shady! When I did my 60,000 service they said the intakes, the thermostat and the drive belt would cost upwards of $650. My mom called where I bought it and it would only be around $400. I had my brother do the thermostat and the belt for $60.

My wife's exploder was running rough and stalling at idle only on the cold mornings. Approx 50 degrees and colder. It is a 1999 ford exploder xlt sohc v6. I replaced the o-rings on the intake manifold and it fixed the problem. I have had the problem for approx 2 years. A few times toward the end I would get a check engine light and finally the light just stayed on. The code was lean bank 1 and lean bank 2. I changed out the idle air control valve and it did not help at all. That was when I decided to change the intake o-rings and it fixed the problem. I did the job myself and it took approx 3 hours. The o-rings were blue in color and were not pliable. They were real stiff but would bend. The replacement o-rings were from felpro and they were silicone o-rings and were very pliable. Just get a book and some tools and you can do the job yourself. Good luck, Brian aka floundergigging