Rough Idle

[feedthebear]

I have noticed several threads about rough idling in Explorer Sports (like mine, a 2001), but all of them said they were in cold weather. I am having a problem with mine right now, it drives /starts fine, but whenever I stop at a red light, it starts to idle up and get 'shaky', then its fine again. Does anyone have any idea what may be causing this and how much its going to cost me to get it fixed? Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Dr98]

What engine, transmission and mileage?

I would start with basic maintenance. Check air filter, clean MAF sensor wires with MAF cleaner spray. I would clean the throttle body with the engine off, using a towel (that doesn't shed any material) with some throttle body cleaner on sprayed on it. All these things helped my truck idle smooth. 98 EX 4.0 SOHC.

The idle air control valve controls idle speed when not moving. Could be your problem.

Good luck.
Dr98

[feedthebear]

My car is a V6, 2 wheel drive, automatic, with 60,000 miles on it.

[Sween]

It could be a vacuum leak, I just had a simliar sounding problem. It was fixed by replacing the factory gasket, they crack after a while.

[bobbybwj]

I'd be interested to hear if any of this helped.. I have a 2001 ST that is having the same problems.. Except last night mine died while at stop light. I had planned on changing the fuel filter. Is this a good start or should I be looking somewhere else?

Thanks.

[feedthebear]

hey! I finally got mine fixed this weekend. It turned out that it was a combination of the EGR Sensor that needed to be replaced and my PVC hose collapsed. Ford also decided that a fuel flush would help as well. It was rather pricey, $470, but totally worth it b/c the rough idling was getting on my nerves.
however, if your car actually shut off, sounds more like the alternator or something? It doesn't hurt to start with the fuel filter, it could be clogged, which could cause the rough idle.

[shorod]

Originally Posted by bobbybwj

I'd be interested to hear if any of this helped.. I have a 2001 ST that is having the same problems.. Except last night mine died while at stop light. I had planned on changing the fuel filter. Is this a good start or should I be looking somewhere else?

Thanks.

Did the idle change before it died (get rough, etc.) or just die? If the EGR valve is not closing when the engine is at idle, it could cause the engine to stall.

How many miles are on the ST, and when was the last tune up performed?

You may want to try starting with a bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the fuel tank to see if that makes a difference.

-Rod