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I have a 2003 Ford Explorer that hasn't been idling well lately. It normally idles around 800 or 900 rpms, but lately it will slow down to 400 or 500, then burst up to 1100 and repeat the process again. It doesn't do this all the time, maybe only half-time. Occasionally the rpms get so low that the engine dies, but that only seems to happen when I'm turning AND braking at the same time.

I don't have any idea what's causing it, and I really haven't even pinned down a common variable for when it happens. It seems to have started with the cold weather, but even then I couldn't tell you for sure.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions before I take it in to the shop?

jdickson
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3 Answers3

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It might be the intermittent failure of an idle speed solenoid. They go by a bazillion different names and have just as many variations. For example:

  • Fast Idle Valve
  • Idle-up solenoid
  • Accessory Valve/Solenoid
  • Auxiliary Air Valve
  • Et cetera...

It may also be, as noted in your comments, an air leak somewhere. Seeing as how it works fine above a certain RPM, I'd be willing to bet it's an idle speed solenoid of some type. Typically air leaks result in poor mileage.

Nick
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Idle air control..it should idle at 1000 rpm's when the engine rpm's jump up and down,suspect the iac.

johnny
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Check for vacuum hoses that are torn, disconnected, or missing. You brake system relies on vacuum and an idle speed that is affected by holding the brakes probably has a weak vacuum. You can get a cheap gauge at an auto part place that will quickly tell you if you are in spec.

Chris Porter
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