Low Idle after Belt & Pulley Replacement

KENTARIS

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

1997 Ford Explorer - I changed the serpentine belt, tensioner pulley and idler pulley due to a squeaking and rubbing noise. This eliminated the noise but now it idles too low in Park and will die if I do not press the accelerator. In gear, it seems fine. I have driven about 8 miles since the repair, the check engine light came on while on my way home. Now when in park and pressing the accelerator slightly, I hear a "ticking" that sounds like the fan. Any ideas on what is causing the low idle in park & check engine light?

Monday, February 14th, 2011 AT 12:46 PM

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.

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Monday, February 14th, 2011 AT 1:24 PM