Need some help. 2001 Explorer Sport

[chap152]

My Explorer will turn over and even start if I press the gas pedal, and as long as I dont let the rpm get down to idol it will continue running. But as soon as I let it get to around idol the car dies. Can someone help me with this. I have already changed the fuel filter thinking that might be it. Now I am out of ideas.

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

What do you need to hold the engine speed to to keep it running? At that speed, does the engine seem pretty smooth, or is it rather rough? If your turn the A/C on, does the engine speed drop?

You may have a faulty or dirty Idle Air Control (IAC) servo. Or, maybe your throttle plate is just so dirty that air is not able to flow around it at idle and the IAC is not able to fully compensate for it.

I'd suggest starting with those two items and report back with any results.

Also, add a bottle of fuel injector cleaner to the fuel tank and see if that helps.

-Rod

[chap152]

Originally Posted by shorod

Welcome to the forum!

What do you need to hold the engine speed to to keep it running? At that speed, does the engine seem pretty smooth, or is it rather rough? If your turn the A/C on, does the engine speed drop?

You may have a faulty or dirty Idle Air Control (IAC) servo. Or, maybe your throttle plate is just so dirty that air is not able to flow around it at idle and the IAC is not able to fully compensate for it.

I'd suggest starting with those two items and report back with any results.

Also, add a bottle of fuel injector cleaner to the fuel tank and see if that helps.

-Rod

When I use the gas to keep it running it runs smooth. I didnt turn the A/C off prior to starting it so I will have to see if there is a increase in motor speed when I turn it off. As for the other things I will check those out. Thanks alot. And I will let you know if that makes any difference.

[Johnny Mullet]

Sounds like an IAC to me also.

[scottrox2000]

I had a similar problem with my 2001 Explorer Sport. Would idle rough to the point of stalling. Try spraying some carb cleaner around the intake manifold, if it smoothes out the idle you have an air intake gasket leak which is what I had. Got a gasket set from Advance Auto Parts for a 2001 Explorer. Tore it down to find that they gave me the wrong gasket set. My intake is a one piece. According to Advance, the only gasket called for on that model year was the 2 piece. They ordered me a gasket for a 2002 which was for a one piece. Replaced the gaskets and now the Explorer runs fine. Hope this helps.

Scott