Poor/low idle. Stalling. ???
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2010
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Poor/low idle. Stalling. ???
2001 F350 5.4L 138,xxx
4x4
When I go to turn the motor over wether it's 10 degrees out for 70, the motor will start as normal then instantly sputter out.
Recently I have been starting the truck with a little throttle and just ultimately driving two footed (hate it), but I do not have much of a choice. At a stop light, the truck with drop down to 4-500 rpm and I am definitely not comfortable with that.
The motor is not missing at high or low RPMs.
I just put a new IAC on it today thinking that would help out atleast a little judging by past posts. I disconnected the battery while doing this also to possibly reset the computer, as stated in previous posts.
I also checked for vaccuum leaks and that came up negative.
Motor is not throwing any codes.
Any other ideas?
4x4
When I go to turn the motor over wether it's 10 degrees out for 70, the motor will start as normal then instantly sputter out.
Recently I have been starting the truck with a little throttle and just ultimately driving two footed (hate it), but I do not have much of a choice. At a stop light, the truck with drop down to 4-500 rpm and I am definitely not comfortable with that.
The motor is not missing at high or low RPMs.
I just put a new IAC on it today thinking that would help out atleast a little judging by past posts. I disconnected the battery while doing this also to possibly reset the computer, as stated in previous posts.
I also checked for vaccuum leaks and that came up negative.
Motor is not throwing any codes.
Any other ideas?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 238
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From: SoCal
I had this issue recently. Rather than throwing parts at it, I took to an independant mechanic. They ended up cleaning the throttle body, and injectors and putting on a new fuel filter (although they said a fuel filter would NOT cause the issue--> it was time for a new one). They said nothing else was wrong with it. It seemed to work, but now it idles a little high: 800-900rpm.
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Freshman User
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I will clean off the MAF sensor tomorrow while I am trying to get away from the in-laws, lol.
I don't really want to tear into my throttle body but it's sounding like I am gonna have to. I just put a new fuel filter in a couple months ago so I am guessing it's not that. But you never know with gas companies these days.
I don't really want to tear into my throttle body but it's sounding like I am gonna have to. I just put a new fuel filter in a couple months ago so I am guessing it's not that. But you never know with gas companies these days.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 7
From: NH
Also, if you are unaware of it the MAF is a delicate item, use only MAF or electrical contact cleaner (no petroleum based cleaners).
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Well I tried a new MAF sensor yesterday and no luck there either. Gonna tear into the TB this weekend I guess and see what I can dig up from there.
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Senior User
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I had this problem with an '01 5.4, I just sprayed out the idle air control valve with some throttle body spray and its all good now. You may do the same and fix it or replace it. Before you do, get it idling rough, tap the solenoid with a hammer and see if it levels out. Thats how you can check if it is bad.
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I had it off already once, cleaned it all out, made sure the spring in there was moving freely. Then I decided to just put a brand new one on.
I was hoping that would be the problem because all the symptoms point that way but no luck.
If I can't find a vaccum leak I am not sure what to do from there.
I was hoping that would be the problem because all the symptoms point that way but no luck.
If I can't find a vaccum leak I am not sure what to do from there.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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If you can't find a vacuum leak it is likely your intake manifold gasket, just fixed my moms Escape with a rough idle by replacing the intake manifold gasket. But hers was silicone and the 5.4 uses a composite which is much more durable. But still could be bad and it would be a cheap fix.
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Well here's the million dollar question of the day.. Is it possible for carb cleaner to freeze? I worked on my IAC and MAF sensor while it was a solid 20* outside. Made a three hour drive yesterday back to college and now the girl is running just like it should. Idles at 900ish as it should without any stalling at all.
The only thing I can possibly think of maybe I had some cleaner in the IAC still and it finally burnt it all out or just took a good running to get it loosened up.
The only thing I can possibly think of maybe I had some cleaner in the IAC still and it finally burnt it all out or just took a good running to get it loosened up.