I try to start my truck, '99 F150 4.6 litre, not using the gas pedal and it won't start. Turns over fine, lots of juice. Now; when I step on the gas pedal while turning it over, it'll start, but it won't stay running. I notice the RPM's keep wanting to drop and if they go too low, obviously the truck stalls. So I hold my foot on the gas pedal and try not to let the RPM"s drop under 1000. After a few minutes, the Rpm guage will go up, then it will idle fine.

Anyone have any ideas what's going on. With this happening, my remote starter obviously won't start the truck either since I have to be inside to hold the gas pedal down.

What I've done..New spark plugs, new spark plug wires, changed those because not only was it time to do it..but my truck was shuttering. It runs fine now..except trying to start it while it's cold.

 

sounds like your IAC valve is sticking. usually some carb cleaner can take care of that.theres a needle in there that sticks when it gets full of crap.

 

Yeah what keith said. Some may say its a waste of time to clean it but my experience with cleaning has been good. About 4 years ago my 96 Mustang GT 4.6 had the exact problem you just described. Cleaned it and NO problem since. It has almost 90K on it now. But that said you still may need a new one. If $$$ is an issue than try cleaning first..

 

You can hit the IAC with a broom handle, That may UnF^ck it temporaraly.

Theres a way to clean them that works well. if you want to take the time.

You can also purchase an IAC for around $100..

 

yeah, I would always clean it first, it's worth the try, like mentioned before, it's kind of pricey to replace it, and cleaning it most of the times gives you a good 50-60k miles extra on it.

 

That will at least tell you for sure if that's your problem.

The problem was so common they were on back order.

I had to 'tap' mine for for a few weeks.

 

Thanks everyone for the help. I'll try to use the carb cleaner first.
This board is awesome.