Just recently started having problem with stalling when starting 97 Explorer SOHC V-6 (99,000 miles on the odometer). After starting, the engine stalls unless the accelerator is pushed to keep RPMs above 1,000. Let off the gas and it immediately stalls. Reving or driving the engine otherwise and it runs smooth as silk.
Thought it might be a weak battery (wife charged her cell phone in the vehicle while at work the same day the problem started). The battery is the original (7 yrs old), but cranks fine. Just for the heck of it, hooked jumper cables to the battery. After it stalled the first time when letting off the accelerator, restarted it and it ran fine without stalling. I replaced the battery two days ago, and tonight it stalled again.
What things should I check first before taking it to a mechanic? What would make it stall at low RPMs but run fine at higher RPMS and while driving? Unfortunately, I don't have the service manuals so I'm not sure where some parts are located (EGR, O2 sensor, PCV) or how to check them. If you could give a description of the location, I would be very grateful. The fuel filter, plugs and PCV valve were changed approx. 20,000 mi ago.
I think it has also lost power over the the past several months with occasional missing. Also over the past several months, seems to have that dreaded rattling at start-up, characteristic of the chain tensioner problem. (Also just dug through my files and found that Ford extended the warranty to
7 yrs or 100,000 mi for front cam chain guide, but the letter describes the problem as a rattling sound lasting longer than FIVE minutes. Doesn't that sound a little long if it's a tensioner problem?)Thanks in advance for your help on the stalling problem. Bones