Ford Repair: Engine stalls at start, does not achieve idle, ford explorer sport trac, ford explorer sport

Question
I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac V6 with ~30,000 miles.  I may have two problems or they may be related.  The first issue is at start, the engine runs but instead of leveling out to an idle it stalls.  Start again, and again the engine runs and as it comes down to an idle it stalls.  If I work the gas to keep a fast idle the engine continues to run and I would need to block the brakes and keep the fast idle to change the transmission to drive or else it stalls.  This does not happen when cold but instead appears to happen after the engine is hot and has been off for about 45 minutes to an hour.  For example, drive home from work which is about 30 minute drive, park / turn off for about 45 minutes, try to start while engine is warm and it does not want to idle.  I also noticed the air conditioner compressor engaging / disengaging.  It would engage for about 6-7 seconds and then disengage.  This would happen about 2-3 times a minute.  I monitored the times sitting still at idle.  I disconnected the electrical connection to the compressor about 3-4 days ago and have been trying to reproduce the stalling problem listed above and so far it appears to have stopped.  So far the starts and idles fine. Looking for suggestions on the cause of the idle and the compressor issue.  I looked at a Hayes book at the local store but it did not seem to address the Sport Trac.  Was considering a manual / CD from Manuals Unlimited an online / WEB service.  Do you have a recommendation?

Answer
Robert:

Your concern is probably caused by a sticking idle speed control valve, which is mounted to the throttle body.  The air conditioning should engage the compressor at approximately the rate you described.  When the compressor engages the idle speed control should open to increase the air to the engine to deal with the increased load put on the engine.  If you replace the idle speed control valve and reconnect the a/c I think you will find all back to normal.  

Patrick