Engine stalls at startup

[sleepery]

I have a 99 Explorer that stalled at startup a few times . I turned the key the engine started for about 2 seconds then stalled . I turned the key again and it sputtered for a second then ran fine . This happened 2x around Thanksgiving and has been fine until today . I am wondering if is may be a fuel related issue . Any info is appreciated .

 

[Rand]

If its the 4.0 its somewhat normal in colder weather. I've had 2.. and my father has a 2005.. they all seem(ed) to start funky when cold. I should mention I've changed the fuel filter, use techron.. cleaned maf, throttle body.. just about everything you can do.. and they still all did it. I just gave up and called it a quirk of the truck(s) originally i was thinking the fuel pump didnt build pressure fast enough.. and it did help to turn the ignition to "ON" for 2-3sec then start.. but it still does it.

 

[rg200amp]

I'd clean the MAF sensor, throttle body, IAC, and run a good quality fuel system cleaner like Redline SI-1 or Chevron Techron.

 

[Lead Shoes]

My bosses 2000 5.0 explorer does not like cold starts either...

 

[beast3300]

Try cleaning IAC. Ford's seem to gunk up rather fast. It should help. Maybe also try different brands of fuel and or grades.

 

[mechtech2]

A clean TB and idle air valve is always a good start/basis. And who would argue about a clean MA sensor? But you may simply need a new fuel filter.

 

[morris]

MMO

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: beast3300

Try cleaning IAC. Ford's seem to gunk up rather fast. It should help. Maybe also try different brands of fuel and or grades.

This.

 

[sleepery]

Thanks for the advice . I will try the cleaning this weekend .

 

[4ever4d]

It is your IAC but don't bother with cleaning it it is of very very little help and will only extend the misery further leaving you with a no start somewhere where you can't fix it. Replace with a new one only takes about 20 min. to replace.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: 4ever4d

It is your IAC but don't bother with cleaning it it is of very very little help and will only extend the misery further leaving you with a no start somewhere where you can't fix it. Replace with a new one only takes about 20 min. to replace.

I've cleaned many over they years with great success. AC Delco combustion chamber cleaner works very well on them to quickly clean them out.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL

Originally Posted By: 4ever4d

It is your IAC but don't bother with cleaning it it is of very very little help and will only extend the misery further leaving you with a no start somewhere where you can't fix it. Replace with a new one only takes about 20 min. to replace.

I've cleaned many over they years with great success. AC Delco combustion chamber cleaner works very well on them to quickly clean them out.

+1 The OP might consider cleaning the fuel injectors via the rail as well. If all else fails consider sending the injectors off to Hurst Injector Service and have them professionally cleaned and restored.

 

[sleepery]

Thanks again to all . Should I disconnect the battery when cleaning/replacing this ? Also is there a gasket that may need replacing ? I would like to have one on hand before removing the IAC .

 

[4ever4d]

Yes,do disconnect the batter.The gasket should be replaced but should come with the IAC. It is best to have the new replacement on hand unless you have a second vehicle avaliable to go and fetch the new one.

 

[4ever4d]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL

Originally Posted By: 4ever4d

It is your IAC but don't bother with cleaning it it is of very very little help and will only extend the misery further leaving you with a no start somewhere where you can't fix it. Replace with a new one only takes about 20 min. to replace.

I've cleaned many over they years with great success. AC Delco combustion chamber cleaner works very well on them to quickly clean them out.

I have just never had any luck cleaning an IAC maybe it was the cleaner i was using. They tend to "go out" quickly afterwards.

 

[punisher]

Originally Posted By: 4ever4d I've cleaned many over they years with great success. AC Delco combustion chamber cleaner works very well on them to quickly clean them out. [/quote

I have just never had any luck cleaning an IAC maybe it was the cleaner i was using. They tend to "go out" quickly afterwards.

2 things (as related to FoMoCo vehicles) Never use anything harsh on an IAC. Metal IACs, take them apart (2 phillips screws), separate the solenoid from the valve to be safe, and use throttlebody cleaner (Ford foamy preferred) to get the valve pintle clean. Plastic body IACs, we were told by FoMoCo engineering not to clean them, replacement only.

 

[ltslimjim]

So, TB cleaner, how about an Amsoil Power Foam soaking or a top-end cleaner? My IACV is bi-polar, read "its a Honda", so I've used various products before for TB/top-end cleaning and they seem to help.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: 4ever4d

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL

Originally Posted By: 4ever4d

It is your IAC but don't bother with cleaning it it is of very very little help and will only extend the misery further leaving you with a no start somewhere where you can't fix it. Replace with a new one only takes about 20 min. to replace.

I've cleaned many over they years with great success. AC Delco combustion chamber cleaner works very well on them to quickly clean them out.

I have just never had any luck cleaning an IAC maybe it was the cleaner i was using. They tend to "go out" quickly afterwards.

That sucks. It is a possibility what you were using is the culprit. I never replaced the IAC on my Mustang or Lincoln, they are both original, they've just been cleaned a couple times.