OK, I have a 2002 6 cyl, manual, 75k, with current maintenance and no major issues. Today I parked the truck coming from work (about 85-90F outside), and then 10 minutes later, start the engine, engine starts, but very sluggish then shuts itself off after a few seconds. Tried a few more times and same results. No MIL

I left the truck parked, came back after 1 hour with a code reader and engine started without any problems… what the… Hook-up the reader, no codes.

Any idea what was that? What should I look or expect coming?

Thanks in advance

 

do a search for IAC

 

When was the last time the fuel filter was changed? Do you make it a habit of running the gas tank down real low - like wait till the light comes on - before you get gas?

I'd replace the fuel filter and put a bottle of Techron or BG44K in the tank.

 

Change the fuel filter sounds like a good one.

And is the sluggishness that you describe like a low idle? Shooting out your TB and IAC with some carb cleaner may help.

 

Thank you for your input.

- Normally I refill on slightly lower than 1/4 tank, not when light comes on.
- Also I have replaced fuel filter in the past (about every 20k), so now it was almost due.
- Yes, sluggishness was like a very low idle, and the engine was shaking significantly, but no loud sounds like misfire.

I have added a bottle of Techron on a full tank and replaced the fuel filter. I'll would like to look into TB and IAC cleanup, but I am not sure what they are. I'll do some research.

Thanks again.

 

75k is also getting near time for a spark plug change. I had to do plugs, wires, and a coil pack to get rid of an intermittent miss on mine at 84k.

 

Here ya go:



On the top there is your IAC or Idle Air Controller. You need (I believe) a 10mm socket and it will just pop off. Don't forget to unplug the cable. On the bottom are two holes. Just squirt some carb cleaner in there and let the gunk drip out. I took an old toothbrush to mine and got some of the side deposits off. Put it back on and tighten and plug the harness back in.

Next you have the TB or Throttle Body. As you can see here, mine has a CAI so I use a Torx bit to take it off. The stock intake is held on by what I remember as a collar with a flathead screw as the tightening mechanism. You can just pop off the intake and just shoot the carb cleaner in there. Move the butterfly open/closed a few times. I also used a toothbrush on it. Engine will hesitate to start for a few seconds afterwards but then it will immediately clear up.

And like glc said, if those 73K are all on stock ignition, time to at least change your plugs. Make sure you use Motorcraft OEM's. The gap for the 4.2L is 0.054"

Good luck!

-Alex