Stalls at idle

ARMY

MEMBER
2001 FORD EXPLORER
135,000 MILES

When I start the vehicle sometimes it starts fine but other times it will start but drop rpms very fast and begin to shake and die out untill it completely stalls out. While it is dieing out I try to give it gas but it doesnt help. I dont believe it is the fuel pump because it doesnt hesitate while driving and punching the gas. Not the spark plugs because they were just changed out with new ones along with the spark plug wiring, and also a brand new air filter. Can anyone help?

Thursday, October 13th, 2011 AT 2:28 AM

3 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,796 POSTS

Vacuum leak, very common. Check under the throttle body for a collapsed hose or broken hose. You may be able to hear it.

Roy

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Thursday, October 13th, 2011 AT 2:34 AM

ARMY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I went to autozone and had a diagnostic test done because my check engine light was on, I think you were right buddy! The faults came up as two vacuum leaks. I am going to have my buddy help me find the leaks. I do not have a clue where to look.

** one more question: I am having braking problems as well, when I brake at higher/normal speeds my vehicle brakes fine but with a squeek. But just before I stop, when I am at the very end point of stopping I feel the brakes almost as if there are skipping and whinding and then right before I come to a complete stop the skipping stops and the vehicle stops. My ABS light also comes on once in a while. I ask multiple people but noone knows what it is. They say warped rotors but they work fine untill I am at the end point of braking. Can you help ASEMaster?

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Saturday, October 15th, 2011 AT 2:22 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,796 POSTS

Ok, the squeaking is from material of the pads. When they are hot, the metal comes to the surface of the pads and against the rotors and you have squealing. Using a ceramic pad or a softer pad will eliminate the noise.

The abs is activated when you come to a stop. My guess is that one of the sensors is dirty and the seat may have debris preventing it from seating correctly. The increased air gap causes activation prior to stopping. Have them checked at a shop to verify.

Roy

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Saturday, October 15th, 2011 AT 2:50 AM