Help me locate the IAC

[willowthedog]

I have a 95 Ford Explorer XLT that has an intermittent stalling problem. Occassionally when I start the truck when it's already hot, it cannot maintain an idle. If I remove my foot from the gas pedal, the RPMs will just drop to zero and the car will stall. This behavior continues for the entire driving session (i.e. until I park the car and let it cool completely). On the other hand, if I am able to successfully start the car without it exhibiting this behavior, then it will operate correctly for the duration of that driving session (even though the engine has warmed up to the same operating temperature as when it does exhibit the problem).

Anyway, I did some reading in this forum and elsewhere, and it seems like a likely culprit would be the Idle Air Control Valve. I do not have much experience poking around the engine of my Explorer, so could someone explain how to find and recognize the IAC? If there are diagrams available on a website somewhere, that would be great!

Thanks!

[KMart86]

Did you ever find an answer? This is EXACTLY the same issue I'm having for the past 2 weeks with my 2000 Explorer. Thanks for any learning you are willing to share

-Kevin Martin
Stamford, CT

[willowthedog]

Yes. I eventually located the IAC in my Ford Explorer (no thanks to anyone here, though), and I am convinced by everything I have read on the Internet that the IAC is the most likely candidate for my problem. However, my particular IAC is NOT serviceable (i.e. I cannot take it apart and clean the valve). If my problem persists, I will buy a new part from my local Ford dealer and install it myself.

Once I knew what to look for, the IAC is VERY easy to find. On my Explorer, it is right on top of the engine on the driver's side. Check out the links below for pictures of the IAC. Once you know what shape to look for, locating it should be no problem. Also, removal and re-installation of the IAC is as simple as removing two bolts.

http://www.vectra-sport.com/How_To/I...ol%20Valve.htm

http://lightning.prohosting.com/~v8mate/auiac.html

http://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/D...D117/3953.html


Hope this helps!

[samcam]

I have been having this same problem. I found the IAC cleaned it and it worked! Anyway I was going to purchase a new one and asked a guy at the autoparts store and he didn't know what I was talking about, is there another name for this part? He listed off a few names off the computer ending in something, something sensor but wasn't sure which one he meant and I didn't have the IAC with me, any help would be appreciated. Thanks alot.

[Gizrat]

Samcam
The IAC is not a part you can get from your general automotive store. You either get it from the dealership or you can find them online. Here is the site where i got mine.
http://www.rockauto.com/
Gizrat