Hey all, so last week I had two separate instances when my XLT would suddenly drop to about 300 rpm and feel like it was going to stall, but then it quickly bounced back to around 600 rpm. This only happened after I’d been driving for a while, once after sitting in traffic for 30 minutes without moving, and once when I stopped at a store. Both times, I had 4-5 of these rpm drops. No codes came up. I know the spark plugs need replacing, the air filter is a new K&N drop-in, and I used 2 bottles of Techron fuel injector cleaner in the tank a couple of months ago.
Aside from needing new spark plugs, I’m thinking of swapping out the PCV valve tomorrow. Any other suggestions or things I should check? The car runs great when I’m driving but those near-stall moments were a little worrying.
It could be the alternator causing the issue. When the AC is on, it draws a lot of power, which can sometimes cause a drop in idle speed if the alternator is weak.
@Oakley
How can I test the alternator? What makes you think it could be the alternator because of the AC running? I’m not arguing, just trying to figure out the connection.
I’m having the same issue with my ’13 when I use the A/C (even defrost, since the compressor runs in that mode too). The dealer tried a tune-up, but that didn’t fix anything. I cleaned the throttle body, but it was pretty clean and looked like it was working fine. Still didn’t help.
I think it’s related to my A/C being a remanufactured unit. Do you know if yours is original?
Emory said: @Riley
It’s the original one. The issue is I bought it used with 130,000 miles, so I’m not sure what maintenance has been skipped or already done.
I get that. I got mine at 115k and now it’s at 159k. The rpm drop has been happening the whole time for me, so I’m not so sure about the alternator being the cause. But I’m definitely curious about the PCV valve issue.
