My 2000 F150 (5.4L) just recently developed a problem where it won't increase the idle speed when I first start it in the morning or after it's sat for many hours. It starts immediately, but then dies unless I hold my foot on the accelerator. I have to do that as I back out of the drive & maybe at the end of the block. But once warmed up some, it's fine - idles at ~ 600 rpm. If I shut the engine off & restart it immediately or say, w/in a couple hours, it's still fine.

Is this a common problem when one sensor, etc., goes bad, that it only affects the idle speed when the engine's cold? I don't have a code reader for this vehicle, but guess I could buy one, even though can't afford it right now.

Thanks.

 

Try this link I think if you clean the IAC it do the trick
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...h+idle+problem

you'll have to cut and paste i mees the link up somehow

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...h+idle+problem

maybe this will work!

 

 

what'd i do

 

Something funny

 

I fixed

 

Thanks for the replies & link!

Would the "IAC" being stuck go along w/ the symptom that it won't increase idle speed when cold, but the idle speed is completely normal once engine warms up?

There is one other thing I forgot. The accelerator linkage is sometimes a little sticky when first depressing the accelerator. Not much, but noticable - especially when weather is colder. Don't know if that has anything to do w/ this prob.

 

Thanks for all replies & the link.

I read that some suggested cleaning the IAC w/ throttle body cleaner (removing it 1st). Of course, Chiltons says "do NOT attempt to clean the IAC w/ any type solvent cleaners - it will damage the internal components."

I've read up a little & some say ignore the warning to NOT use *throttle body cleaner* or any other to clean the IAC, the ports where it connects to the throttle body (which apparantly sometimes get carboned up), or even the butterfly valve, etc., inside of the throttle body.

Is this a good idea or not to clean the IAC & connection ports, & especially the throttle body w/ throttle body cleaner?

I notice there are about 4 different error codes listed in the Chilton's for the IAC.

If I decide to buy a code reader, any suggestions on brands / models that won't break the bank but aren't complete junk? The most common brand locally is Actron, but may be others if I searched enough.

Thanks again.

 

Your answers are in the link , that's why the sticky was made. I would just be repeating what's been said over and over again. Plenty of IAC info.

I don't use a scanner because Auto Zone scans for free..

 

I think the problem resides with either the IAC or the engine coolant temp sensor. Both could cause the issue you;re having...

-Joe