Whenever I start my 2000 Ford Explorer the RPMs start at 1000 and drop down to 500. Sometimes its starts for a second then dies all together. Then there are other times where it starts fine and holds RPMs, but when I am halfway to my destination, the RPMs will drop back down to 500 and feel like its about to die. I've tried cleaning and lubricating the battery and the weather here is not that bad, so I dont think that that would be an issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
2000 Ford Explorer Idle Issues
Mar 25, 2007
4 Replies
Sounds like your IAC needs cleaning or replacing - lots of stuff written on it. Google "Explorer IAC".
Could also be intake gaskets, but try IAC first.
Mine does the same thing, I think that part is normal.
That sounds like the IAC valve.
Is that while you're trying to drive down the road, or sitting at a stop? 500 rpm at a stop is normal. If it happens driving down the road... does the 2000 have a fuel pump relay? My 1994 had a problem like that, caused by a bad fuel pump relay.
-Paul
It drops to 500 when I am stopped, but it has only recently started doing that within the last couple months or so. Normally it would idle at 1000. Not sure if it has a fuel pump relay, I'll look into that. Thanks.
OK, it's not the fuel pump relay. Sure sounds like the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve. It adjusts the amount of air the engine gets at idle. I believe it should idle at 500 rpm when warmed up. If it doesn't, it's most likely the IAC which is known to stick or get clogged. You can replace it or there is a procedure for cleaning it, do a Google search for that.
The other common problem is intake manifold vacuum leaks. That affects idle and can vary because the parts expand/contract with engine temperature.
-Paul
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