layin on the smackdown Posted November 21, 2010 Report Share Posted November 21, 2010 Alright fellas...so i went to start my truck yesterday afternoon and it turned over just fine, except it won't idle...the only way i can keep it idling is if i put pressure on the gas pedal. Its a 2000 ford F150 4x4 with the 5.6 liter...Anyone have any idea on what the problem is and how hard is it to fix? I think it may be a sensor that is shot...i am not mechanically inclined whatsoever, but it sure seems like it has something to do with a fuel sensor or something that is not allowing enough fuel to the engine for it to stay at an idle. Thanks in advance for all of your help! Its greatly appreciated! Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted November 21, 2010 Report Share Posted November 21, 2010 Quite possibly an IAC problem Dan, or even a vacuum hose leak somewhere. If you have a check engine light on, you should have it scanned and you'll know if you have sensor problems. You might just want to try to clean your IAC first. http://www.explorer4x4.com/iac.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted November 21, 2010 Report Share Posted November 21, 2010 Could be a lot of things. Here is a couple suggestions. The first thing I suggest you do is get the battery tested at an autoparts store. They can tell at the autoparts store if the battery is under spec producing cold cranking amps. A dying battery can cause those issues and is one of the easiest things to fix. If the battery is over 4 years old it's a likely culprit. The next thing I'd do is get a new fuel filter installed. If you've never had it replaced in that vehicle it's probably overdue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted November 21, 2010 Report Share Posted November 21, 2010 It's probably the pintle in the IAC valve sticking (Idle Air Control). It's a little valve near the throttle body that lets air go around the throttle blade when the throttle is closed. If it's stuck closed no air is supplied to the engine when your foot is off the gas pedal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
layin on the smackdown Posted November 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2010 First of all, thanks for the advice...Secondly, im an idiot for a number of reasons, but one is the fact that it is a 5.4 liter (not a 5.6) and two, i have no idea what a IAC valve is, and i don't know what IAC stands for...Also, the battery is 3 months old, so i know that isn't the issue...Fuel filter is fairly new as well... I might be able to make it to a place to have the diagnostics done on it, but it may be risky seeing as how any time i would idle down, the darn thing shuts off...Im afraid of blowing my transmission if i shift from reverse to drive or nuetral to drive with high RPM's...so if i hit a red light, or a stop sign or whatever, i would most likely have to keep one foot on the gas and one on the brake to stop and keep the vehicle from crapping out... Thanks again...Now, any of you guys know what an IAC valve is, where it may be located and what IAC stands for? dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92xj Posted November 21, 2010 Report Share Posted November 21, 2010 First of all, thanks for the advice...Secondly, im an idiot for a number of reasons, but one is the fact that it is a 5.4 liter (not a 5.6) and two, i have no idea what a IAC valve is, and i don't know what IAC stands for...Also, the battery is 3 months old, so i know that isn't the issue...Fuel filter is fairly new as well... I might be able to make it to a place to have the diagnostics done on it, but it may be risky seeing as how any time i would idle down, the darn thing shuts off...Im afraid of blowing my transmission if i shift from reverse to drive or nuetral to drive with high RPM's...so if i hit a red light, or a stop sign or whatever, i would most likely have to keep one foot on the gas and one on the brake to stop and keep the vehicle from crapping out... Thanks again...Now, any of you guys know what an IAC valve is, where it may be located and what IAC stands for? dan It's probably the pintle in the IAC valve sticking (Idle Air Control). It's a little valve near the throttle body that lets air go around the throttle blade when the throttle is closed. If it's stuck closed no air is supplied to the engine when your foot is off the gas pedal. Is this what you were looking for Dan? Also, Just pop it into nuetral when you are coming to a stop and keep a foot on the brake and one of the gas. That way you dont burn your brakes up. Its not issue at all to go from drive to nuetral with higher than idle RPMs. DO NOT GO TO REVERSE FROM DRIVE. You will either come to an insanely fast stop as your drivetrain falls to the ground, or you will notice a very nonresistant roll and the gears strip and yu have no resistance internally. Also, with the IAC, just pull it off the intake, get some brake cleaner and spray in there, wipe as much as you can with a towel to clean it up. I would vite its more of a fuel issues instead of an air issues. But start where the others have told you. I dont know jack about vehicles.... I am sure Lynn will chime in soon with other opinions and things to check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted November 21, 2010 Report Share Posted November 21, 2010 Dannyboy, I posted a link homie! Wasn't trying to keep you in the dark! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
layin on the smackdown Posted November 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted November 21, 2010 Man o Man, if i could buy you all a beer right now, trust me, i would without a doubt...You guys are awesome!!!!! you nailed it. After i finally was able to locate the dang IAC valve (which was burried way at the back of the engine, right in front of the darn dashboard) i was able to take it off and sure enough the pintle or whatever it is called was stuck. I took a small allen wrench and scraped as much gunk off as i could, then used my pocket knife to slide the thingy up and down and it went without sticking again, so i put it back together and she fired up and idled...I cant thank you guys enough, you just saved me a good chunk of change that i don't have....One more reason why these forums and the people on here are so great... Thanks again guys, now im gonna go and try and fill my ML'r tag! Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted November 21, 2010 Report Share Posted November 21, 2010 That's great Dan! You can FedEx my beer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted November 21, 2010 Report Share Posted November 21, 2010 Glad you got it fixed up and purring like a kitten again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2506 Posted April 25, 2011 Report Share Posted April 25, 2011 It's great that everyone is so helpful. I'm new to this forum, and I appreciate every ones thoughtfulness. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted April 25, 2011 Report Share Posted April 25, 2011 It's great that everyone is so helpful. I'm new to this forum, and I appreciate every ones thoughtfulness. Cheers Welcome to the forums! We try our best in here to give as best of advice as we can. Kind of hard sometimes to diagnose a vehicle a thousand miles away but we do our best and usually have a pretty good idea what's happening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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