explorer idle and temp problem

hello can anyone help me i have a 2000 ford explorer and this morning the idle shot up in 1500 rpm range the weather is cold but the idle usually drops when it warms up but it didnt and the temp gauge was above normal and the fan kicked in and the temp droped and the idle didnt even in drive the idle would be at 1200 rpm
can anyone tell me if they had similer problems

Sounds like the pintle in the IAC (idle air control) valve may be sticking.

It is rare to find one acting like this; usually it won't idle at all.

I have replaced numerous IAC's due to insufficient idling concerns


Good Luck

Dont forget to check the TP sensor. they can be tricky also.not just the IAC will do that..good luck

i got a similar problem with my truck about the temperature but i have a 96. i dunno how to fix it but i thought i let u know i have the same problem.

i ahd a CTS (coolant temp sensor) problem and the truck ran somewhat simialr to what you describe...

I have a somewhat similar problem. My 98 Explorer in cold/chilly weather, below 70 degrees, will not idle very well until it the engine is warm. the vehicle barely idles and will die if I do not keep giving it gas. One guy said it might be the IAC motor or it could be that it needs a fuel system cleaning. Can anyone help?

Try cleaning the IAC before you replace it. It's cylindrical with a plug on it and It is mounted on top where the throttle plate is with 2 bolts (pretty sure they are 8mm). Pop it off and spray some carb/choke cleaner it where the plunger is and them dump it out do this a couple times.I like to then fill it up with the cleaner and let it sit in the about a half hour then dump it.

Sounds for sure like your idle air control valve is acting stupid. It can cause either high or low or no idle. They're not that expensive and are very easy to replace.

Thanks...I will clean the IAc motor or buy a new one,,,Appreciate your help

Has anyone had any success after cleaning the Idle Air Control Valve. Thanks.

i got a similar problem with my truck about the temperature but i have a 96. i dunno how to fix it but i thought i let u know i have the same problem.

Did you ever figure out that problem about the idling. I just bought a 96 this year and since the temperature has gone down my 96 Explorer wont hardly idle from a cold start.

I cleaned my IAC and there was no luck, going to call a mechanic tomorrow to see what he figures it could be. I also heard that cleaning the IAC will not always work and you have to replace it.

2 months ago my 98 explorer wouldn't keep running unless I kept on the gas. I removed the IAC. Checked continuity through the motor and verified voltage on the plug.(Key on). They checked out Ok. Found plunger hung up in orifice. Pushed it back gently with screw driver. Flushed with oil a few times and it's been running since.

2 months ago my 98 explorer wouldn't keep running unless I kept on the gas. I removed the IAC. Checked continuity through the motor and verified voltage on the plug.(Key on). They checked out Ok. Found plunger hung up in orifice. Pushed it back gently with screw driver. Flushed with oil a few times and it's been running since.
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I just replaced mine after an unsuccessful continuity test said it was dead). Prior owner had re-adjusted the screw on the butterfly valve below it to compensate for the IAC's loss and while I saved money by replacing the IAC myself (two 10mm bolts [that's it! right on the top of the engine!], and a $40 IAC from a local auto parts store [who had to order it]) I STILL ended up having to pay to have someone in a shop to adjust what turned out to be that one little screw by the air intake butterfly valve.

Anyway, it ran perfectly again at 1000RPM or so, but NOW when the temp's are below freezing, it's barely staying alive at first--but runs perfectly when started LATER in the day after it's warmed up.


The IAC -only- effects the engine when in park and idling; if the car runs fine in gear, it's the IAC. If it runs like crud at a stoplight, it's something more. And apparently, the IAC's wear out like cheap shoes, so it's likely your problem.

I have 2000 Explorer with 50K. Same issue, rough idle on cold day until engine warm. Runs fine once warm. I live in Texas. Did this last winter and just dealt. Spring, summer, and fall was fine. Winter hit and here we go again. I replaced idle air valve last week. Plunger on old valve was sticking so I was optimistic that was the problem. No luck. Still have same problem. Suggestions? Please reply.

I have 2000 Explorer with 50K. Same issue, rough idle on cold day until engine warm. Runs fine once warm. I live in Texas. Did this last winter and just dealt. Spring, summer, and fall was fine. Winter hit and here we go again. I replaced idle air valve last week. Plunger on old valve was sticking so I was optimistic that was the problem. No luck. Still have same problem. Suggestions? Please reply.
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We're in the exact same boat, then; I'm getting no error codes from the computer, just crappy performance on the first start of the day.

Fuel pump? Fuel pressure? Can't take it to a Dealer (bad word) because once there, I couldn't duplicate the problem. Any thoughts are appreciated by the world at large here, because I'm finally at a loss.

my 99 was doing the same thing i replaced the iac and the tps (throttle positioning sensor) nothing but i did check the ERG valve and the EGR valve sensor on a friends explorer and that seems to have cured the problem the erg vavle will make the enging temp rise if it is not working properly. I have yet to do it to mine yet.

Thanks--I'm on that tomorrow then. It's the only problem I've had since purchase, and it's driving me up the wall.

(This is from a guy that probably spent two hours over two days aiming the fog lamps correctly. Heh.)