Explorer won't run unless I give it gas

[crhuebner]

I have a 2001 explorer that has ran without any real problems since I bought it two years ago. But yesterday, I tried to start it and found that the engine wouldn't turn over unless I pressed the gas pedal. After it starts, it won't stay running unless I continually give it gas. At first, I thought it was just because it hadn't ran in awhile, so I kept it running for 20 minutes by holding the gas pedal in place. But as soon as I got off the gas pedal, it died. I was wondering if anyone has any idea what would be wrong with the vehicle. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Higgins11]

i would check the idle air control motor first. sometimes you can unplug them and they can run. if that is the case you would need an IAC motor. give it a little tap too sometimes they get gunked up and that may knock it loose.

[virgamanda]

Possibly the throttle position sensor.

[shorod]

I vote for a carboned up throttle body and a faulty IAC or IAC passage. Sounds like for some reason no air is making into the intake until the throttle plate is cracked.

I trust that even though you typed the engine doesn't turn over, you mean it won't fire/start but still cranks just fine.

-Rod