1994 Ford Explorer Rough Idle

Tiny
BILLYCMONKEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 188,000 MILES
My truck is idling rough and missing when first start up. After driving for about 5 minutes it gets better, but still can tell it is not running smooth like it used to. This happened last summer and I replaced the spark plugs which solved the problem. I'm thinking of new spark plugs again but it just seems soon for that since I recently replaced them. I have Replaced air filter, fuel filter etc. But problem still exists. Think I should try spark plugs again?
Monday, June 9th, 2008 AT 1:47 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Did you replace the plug wires yet? And check for vacuum leaks, get a can of spray gumout, spray the vac lines and maniflod area, when the idle changes, youve found the leak! You want the engine running and spray on the outside but do direct the stream onto the hoses, if it is a vacuum leak, the engine idle will change speed, then you have detected a leak, repair the vacuum leak and see how it runs! If that doesnt do it, you may need a new idle air control valve, it's bolted to the throttlebody
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Monday, June 9th, 2008 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
BILLYCMONKEY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I did replaced the plug wires and Idle Air Control valve. Checked for vacuum leaks, but without spraying anything on them. I will definitely try that! Thanks for the help!
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Monday, June 9th, 2008 AT 3:17 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
The other thought is, is the check engine light on?
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Monday, June 9th, 2008 AT 5:36 PM
Tiny
BILLYCMONKEY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No, the Check Engine Light is not on and there is no trouble codes.
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Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 AT 9:23 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Try checking the ECT(engine coolant temp sensor) with an OHM meter, At 50% it should read 58,750
at 68% should be 37,300 At 194% 2800,
Volts should be 3.51, 3.07 and.060 volts respectivly.
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Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 AT 1:44 PM

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