# 2001 Ford Explorer

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-ford-explorer/22439>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [November 23, 2008, 5:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-ford-explorer/22439 "2008-11-23T17:56:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![explorer131](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@explorer131](https://community.cartalk.com/u/explorer131)\
**Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 5:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-ford-explorer/22439/1 "2008-11-23T17:56:32Z")

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I tried to start my Explorer, it started but will not idle. It took several attempts to get it started. Can you help?

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**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\
**Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-ford-explorer/22439/2 "2008-11-23T18:03:55Z")

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How many miles on it. When was the last time your drive it and when was the last time you filled the tank. Did it recently get cold where you are? Have the plugs and wires every been replaced? When was the last time the air filter and fuel filter were replaced? Had it had any history of problems? Is there a CEL (Check Engine Light?

Do you mean it took several attempts to get it so it would idle or do you mean it took several attempts and it still will not idle? Any unusual sounds?

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**Author:** ![explorer131](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@explorer131](https://community.cartalk.com/u/explorer131)\
**Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-ford-explorer/22439/3 "2008-11-23T18:44:04Z")

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I have not replaced the fuel filter or any plug wires. The tank is 1/2 full, I changed the oil, air and oil filters 3 weeks ago. The CEL is lit only at startup.

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**Author:** ![Beadsandbeads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c57346/32.png) [@Beadsandbeads](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Beadsandbeads)\
**Post date:** [November 24, 2008, 1:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-ford-explorer/22439/4 "2008-11-24T01:14:33Z")

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Will it run alright if you put just a little pressure on the accel pedal? If so, it is probably the IAC valve.

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**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\
**Post date:** [November 24, 2008, 1:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-ford-explorer/22439/5 "2008-11-24T01:39:17Z")

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You have to do a little routine maintenance before you can start on any repairs. To begin, change the spark plugs (which are original, aren’t they?), and the fuel filter (also original?). Then, we can talk about the engine coolant temperature sensor (ect), idle air control valve(iac), the throttle position sensor(tps), the egr (exhaust gas recirculation) system, and other neat stuff like that which can have an affect on engine performance.