My 1998 Ford Explorer will not stay on unless I have my foot on the Gas.?

Question

The other day it was really cold outside over night. When I went to start my car it wouldn't start unless I gave it some gas. It ran fine after that. When I went out for lunch it wouldn't start again unless I gave it some gas, but this time if I took my foot off the gas the car died. It's ben doing that now for two days. I had to two foot it to work today. Any idea what the problem is? I know it has to do with the fuel line, I just don't know what.

Answer 1

I had the same problem with my '99 Ford Crown Vic.

It turned out to be the "idle air control valve".

By way of explanation, on older vehicles,
there were rubber hose lines
for the vacuum advance and retard ports.
About every year or so,
the ends of one or the other hoses would become cracked
to the point that they would leak air,
and would cause the car either to not start at all
(no air going to the advance)
or to race excessively even when idling
(no air going to the retard).
It took five minutes to diagnose and fix,
by clipping off the cracked ends.
At some point, the hose would become either too short
or too worn to sustain another "clipping",
so the entire hose had to be replaced for about $2.

Comparatively, the "idle air control valve"
can get "stuck" after years of use,
much like a radiator thermostat can.
At least on my "Vic",
the "idle air control valve" was relatively easy to replace:
about 15 minutes to remove the old one
and install the new one.
The part cost $50 at a local auto parts dealer
(heckuvalot more expensive than a $2 rubber hose, eh?
Ah, the wonders of modern technology!). ;)

Good luck!
(and please let us know what the problem turned out to be!)

P.S. It is EXTREMELY dangerous to drive a car
with your foot constantly on the accelerator,
not to mention that it might bring unwanted attention from the police, and I'm not talking about the rock group! ;)

Answer 2

To me, it appears like both an intake manifold gasket leak, or a head gasket leak - i'd advise having a service keep take a inspect it, and look at it for you. If it is a few thing basic, merely carry the motorized vehicle living house and fix it your self. better complicated upkeep might want to need to be performed by technique of a pro mechanic. As for the low coolant mild, you are able to detect the sensor on the overfill bottle, and elements it a very gentle tap, each and every so often which will shake the gunk out of the sensor and enable it to "see" that there is in reality coolant contained in the bottle. The battery mild is coming near at the same time as the motorized vehicle dies (or the engine velocity is merely too slow), because it is the motorized vehicle telling you that for some reason the alternator isn't charging the battery (like the motorized vehicle not operating for instance).

Answer 3

Have you inspected your fuel line? Its a metal line on the underbody, so it could have been dented.

Its easy to spot, get under the passenger rear side and its above you.

While youre there change your fuel filter. Then run some fuel injection cleaner.

That should cost about $10-15 and most likely will fix the problem in a mere 30 minutes.
____

Edit: Remember to NEVER replace your battery without first having it tested. Its a free test at most places (Sears is nationwide and does it free), and many problems that appear to be the battery arent, so there is no reason to spend $100+ on something that doesnt fix it. Always be certain!

If that is the issue, buy a battery warmer. Theyre cheap and very effective, even just the little insulator bag ones (though powered is best).

Answer 4

I had the same problem with mine, it is a 99 mercury mountaineer, same thing as a ford explorer, wehn it was cold out the battery was weak, then it did not have enough powerto keep all of the systems running right, replaced the battery and not a problem since. I live where it gets cold and am constantly replacing batteris in all of the cars I drive probably once every three years.

Answer 5

This is such a common problem with all ford products I'm suprised all people dont know the answer to your question. Replace your IAC- idle air control vavle. Very simple part to replace

Answer 6

I am not familiar with this model of car; but --

Seems to be a very minor issue with idling speeds. Your fuel injection / carburettor will need some slight adjustment. I suggest you take the car to some workshop. Should not take more than 10 minutes and a screw driver.

Answer 7

It sounds like my 93 explorer its the fuel filter needs to be changed and i would change the spark plugs to and put some fuel injector cleaner in it to. If that doesn't work its the control modular that the spark plug wires come out of.

Answer 8

IAC valve. ( idle air control ) Replace it, problem solved. Very common, my 01 Escape did the exact same thing. You can clean it, but that will only be a temporary fix. Just replace and be done with it.