Well when it rains it poors. Just had the explorer in this week for a wheel bearing fix and also replaced the battery. It's the wifes ride, 02 Explorer 4.6L V8, 89,0000miles. Went to the gas station for milk this morning and a gas fill-up. Upon leaving I went to start it up and noticed a surging of the motor and watched the Tach go from appox., 1500 down to almost stalling out. After 15-20 seconds all seemed fine. Drove it a mile back home. Once in the garage I shut it off and started it back up again. It did the same thing, restart again and it stalled. Re-start again and it almost stalled but ended up running. I do all the maintanece according to the manual. I've had the fuel filter changed twice in the 89,000 miles and I was going to schedule to have it done again along with a tranny flush next month. I also run a K&N filter which I have not serviced in 36,000miles!

Just pulled out the K&N, pretty dirty but still able to see light through it. I'm in the process of cleaning it. I did start it without the filter and it idled fine. Did it several time with no issues. Could it have been the filter?

 

Wife just ran up to the store(1mile) with no air filter. It stalled once upon starting it on her way back. That rules out dirty air filter. Anybody?

 

I've been doing some digging around. Sounds like I should start with cleaning the MAF. Then move onto cleaning or just replacing the IAC. I have not found any info as to the 4.6L and the location of the IAC? Also best online place to order one? Also plan on replacing the fuel filter which will be the third replacement in 89000miles. Any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks

Also drove Explorer for 200 miles today, never missed a beat on start-up

 

If you do end up cleaning the MAF, I always use electrical contact cleaner. It evaporates without leaving anything behind. Look for the IAC near the TPS on the upper intake manifold, that's where they are one the Mustangs. Good luck

 

Anyone else care to chime in? Really thought I would get more in response Thanks

 

Rob.D, most of the time the idle problem is caused by the IAC. And, from reading all the posts, cleaning it only gives a temporary fix. I am about to buy a new one for my Mountaineer.

 

Maf then IAC. When the idle goes down can you bring it up with the pedal?

 

I believe so. Today the wife stated it almost stalled coming up to a stop. Thanks guys

 

Just returned from out of town. Cleaned the MAF last night went for a drive this morning. Still have the same issue. When coming up to a stop truck acts as if it's going to stall on occasion. Going to replace IAC next. Any recommendations on places to order one online? My local Napa did not have one in stock and needed 4 days to get one. The manf., date on the vehicle is 1/02 I guess they are two different part #'s for the 02 model year. Do I need to order a gasket also? Thanks guys.

 

Dealer? That my be your only source.

 

Is OEM the way to go or is aftermarket ok? Also gasket

 

If you can find aftermarket?

 

I removed the IAC today and cleaned with electrical contact cleaner for grins. I read on another forum this maybe a temp fix. No luck it did not help any. Went for a drive all seemed well. Pulled it into garage, shut off and restarted. It stalled twice in a row before it stayed running. Any other opinions? Going to order the IAC this weekend. Also curious as to why no check engine light? Thinking about getting a code reader, would it help me in diagnosing my current issue? And which code reader should I get? Thanks

 

While its stalling can you give it gas and raise the idle to normal. If you can't then its not the IAC..A code reader is always good to get to read codes but you may want more info I got a good one so I can see whats going on with the sensors. I have an autoxray 6000 but there are many others. I don't think with a scanner you can tell if the IAC is working or not..


Dick

 

Just ran over to my local Advanced Auto with hopes of using there code reader. It was broke no luck. On the way home at a stop sign I shut the vehicle off. Re-started and it went to stall, gave it gas and it reved right up. Did the same thing in the garage when I got home also. So it sounds like I can rule out the IAC. Explorer is going in for annual 30,000 miles tranny service at transmission shop this week. I will see if they have a code reader. It is not throwing a service engine light.