1997 Ford Expedition CAR IDLES LOW AND CUTS OFF

KROLL62

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPEDITION
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Hi, My 1997 Ford Expedition idles down really low and most of the time cuts off when I come to a stop light or stop sign. It cranks right back up with no problem. Also at night the lights go dim until I start to take off again and they brighten back up. Someone told me I needed to replace my battery so I had it checked and sure enough it needed replaced. I had it replaced and it still does the same thing. The guy at the parts store hooked up a little computer to something under the dash and said the only thing the computer showed was the EGR valve needed replacing. My question is could this be the problem or is there some other problem I need to be looking at? Thanks for any answers, Kevin

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

First, theghs most likely are getting dim because the idle is so low. As a result, the alternator isn't producing enough charge to keep them bright. The old battery was most likely fine.

Next, I will assume that the check engine light came on and that is why he scanned the computer. THe EGR (exhaust gas recirculator) can cause a low idle if there is a vacuum leak. When it idles low, is it a rough idle?

Before replacing the EGR, can you get me the code that he found? Many times parts stores will sell you parts that are not needed.

Let me know.
Joe