# Engine surging at idle

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-surging-at-idle/38508>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** explorer, ford\
**Created:** [October 23, 2009, 4:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-surging-at-idle/38508 "2009-10-23T16:45:28Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![tinman944](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@tinman944](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tinman944)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 4:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-surging-at-idle/38508/1 "2009-10-23T16:45:28Z")

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I have a 2003 explorer with a 4.0 SOHC engine and an automatic transmission. After starting, the engine runs smooth, however when I put it in gear(any gear) the engine starts surging. After driving even a short distance and I stop, it idles smooth again until the next time I shut it down and start again. I checked it with a OBD check and it shows everything is OK. Also I noticed when this started happening I hear a metallic rattle just as I start to depress the accelerator pedal. What’s up?

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**Author:** ![circuitsmith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/circuitsmith/32/40376_2.png) [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2009, 8:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-surging-at-idle/38508/2 "2009-10-23T20:00:57Z")

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I’d start off by having the idle control valve, throttle and MAF sensor cleaned.

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**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\
**Post date:** [October 24, 2009, 1:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-surging-at-idle/38508/3 "2009-10-24T01:41:14Z")

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Look for a loose or broken TPS (Throttle Position Sensor).

This can cause intermittent bursts of fuel from the injectors and an unstable idle because the PCM thinks the throttle is moving.

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**Author:** ![tinman944](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@tinman944](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tinman944)\
**Post date:** [October 24, 2009, 8:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-surging-at-idle/38508/4 "2009-10-24T20:57:01Z")

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what is the best medium to clean these with. Denatured Alcohol? Carb cleaner?

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**Author:** ![cigroller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c68b51/32.png) [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\
**Post date:** [October 24, 2009, 10:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-surging-at-idle/38508/5 "2009-10-24T22:42:44Z")

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For the MAF sensor get MAF sensor cleaner (which I think is not really different from typical electronics cleaner - I use each interchangeably). For the IAC you can use carb cleaner or intake cleaner.