Idle air controller? This is my experience this week:

I just got my 2000 Exp. with 194,000 miles out of the shop and that is what they replaced.

My truck would crank but not start. If I held my foot on the gas it would start and run but when I let of the pedal it would not idle, just die. My first thought when it wouldn't start was battery. All the electrical is/was fine. Then I thought fuel. I replaced the fuel filter with no change. It seemed to be getting plenty of gas and I was baffled.

I sent it to my mechanic and they replaced the idle air controller (valve and motor). They cleaned the throttle body, intake runners, valves, and piston tops. Replaced a stuck thermostat, flushed coolant system, and oil change/lube job.

She runs like a champ now. I was not familiar with the idle air control valve before this.

How a Car Engine Idle Air Control Valve Works - 2CarPros

 

Did you ever resolve your starting issue?