Ford Repair: 1994 ford explorer intermittent hard starting, mass airflow sensor, upper intake manifold

Question
Every so often my 94 explorer will carnk but will not start. When this happens if I take off the air filter duct hose and spray a shot of quick start it will turn over and run fine then the problem will not happen again for awile. It usually happen when the engine is warm. I have changed the mass airflow sensor but still have the problem. I also would like to know if you know how to program a remote for the keyless entry system

Answer
Hard Starting is a common problem for Explorers. When starting the engine and at idle, the throttle plate is closed and the only air entering the engine is through the Idle Air Control Valve (IAC). This is all controlled by the Powertrain Contol Module. It uses the IAC to allow a small amount of air to enter the engine for starting and to adjust idle speed. The IAC is mounted to the upper intake manifold with two small bolts, and has a small electrical connector on it. It is about two by four inches. It may be sticking closed, you can remove it (be careful, it may have a paper gasket) and clean it out with an Air Intake Cleaner. If this doesn't help, it may have failed and need replacing.

The factory three button Remote Keyless Entry can be programmed on a 1994 Explorer by turning the ignition to RUN or ACC. Momentarily jumping the pins in the programming connector located in the Left quarter panel area.  All doors will lock and unlock to confirm programming mode. Press any button on the 1st transmitter. Door locks will cycle to confirm programming. Press any button on the 2nd transmitter (up to 4 transmitters total possible). Turn ignition to OFF. Locks will cycle again to indicate end of programming mode.

The programming procedure changed on the 1995 Explorer.  If your 1994 was built late in the model year it might use the 1995.

I hope this helps,
Dave