Help from the mechanically inclined

[Sticks&Strings]

I have a truck question for you. Here is what is happening.



When I start my truck early in the morning, it won’t idle. The only way I can get it to run is by keeping my foot in the gas. This morning, I bet it took 10 minutes before it would idle. It doesn’t slowly die either. If I take my foot off the gas, the RPM’s drop and drop all the way to zero in a hurry. I am going to try to take it to the mechanic today, but what could it be? I need to prepare myself.


By the way, I haven’t been back in it today, but yesterday, after the morning ordeal, I could get in it an it would start right up and be fine. Today I haven’t gone anywhere since I have been here, so I am not real sure what it will do. By the way, it has 182,000 miles on it.

Could it be the fuel pump, or injectors? I have no clue, it just seems like it isn't getting any fuel at first.

[shotgunsmitty]

Idle air control valve?
What kind of truck/engine/year/size/etc.?

[Caddo]

Hope it's not a Ford. My wife has a 2001 Explorer (Exploder) that does the same thing. Sometimes it will idle, sometimes it won't. The colder, wetter days are the one's where it won't. We've had it to 4 different mechanic's, including the Ford Dealership. They all say there's nothing wrong. The standard answer we get is "Some Ford's do that!" If thats the case I don't believe I'll own another! Anybody want to buy an Exploder!!!!!

LD

[muzzy man]

Idle air control valve?
What kind of truck/engine/year/size/etc.?

IT HAS TO BE THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE. TRY TO CLEAN IT WITH B-12 CARB CLEANER, IT IS LOCATED ON BACK OF THROTTLE BODY.

[Seemore]

I would third the Idle Air Control Valve unless it is an older carberated engine then I would say the electronic choke is not working properly.

[Sticks&Strings]

It is a 1997 Ford Expedition. 5.4 Liter. Sounds like you guys all agree. I guess I'll have to buy the part and save myself the expense. Is it hard to change?

MUCHAS GRACIAS to you all. Man this site is great!

[Goldeneagle]

Don't mess with cleaning it. A IAC costs about $30 at O'Reilly's. It has a gasket, 2 screws and a wiring connector. Takes about 10 minutes to change. It is right on top of the intake towards the rear. Just get the new one and you will see what it looks like. Piece of cake bro!

[greenflag]

I had the same problem on a Ford. IAC & EGR valve both had carbon built up pretty bad. Also clean the buildup at the throttle plate. Clean everything with a "converter safe" cleaner. I make a good living selling converters because people will pour/spray anything in their car's fuel system.

[Sticks&Strings]

THanks to all! That was the problem. Bought the part and fixed it, piece of cake.

[Bill]

Best part is you probably saved $150 and a day without your truck having somebody else do it.

People ask me why I do most of the maintenance work on my pickup, I tell them I spend the money I save on hunting.