I have a 2001 manual GT ... Since early december, it occured about 8-10 times: I start the engine but it will not idle. I have to hold the gaz pedal otherwise the engine dies. This condition may last for a few minutes or up to an hour. Suddenly, I feel like something is "kicking in".. the gaz pedal feels different and the idle problem dissapear .. . anybody have a clue ???

 

IAC Valve. The Idle Air Control Valve ford has used on 4.6's is notorious for getting dirty and causing problems with initial startup. It works great after its warmed up a bit.

You can take it off and clean it, but thats only going to fix it short term. Go to ford and get a new one when you have the money. That should fix it. (although i've seen a new one go bad in a few months )

 

its a very common problem with the 4.6 Replace it, supposedly a new one from Ford is supposed to be better designed than the stock one. Also fairly cheap fix.

 

who you calling stupid?