I have a 2000 Ford Focus (2.0L SFI SOHC). It has been running fine, but I woke up the other day and went out to start it and it immediatly dies. I tried it again and it starts then dies. If I constantly press the gas pedal once it is started, it will stay running. As soon as I let off, it will die. Sometime right after it dies, I hear what sounds like a poof of air from somewhere near the engine.

I have already changes the air filter & spark plugs.

I'm not very savy when it comes to fixing cars, but would like to fix this myself if possible.

Any ideas what I could do to fix it? I greatly appreciate any help! Thanks.

 

Check the IAC valve, see if it is stuck closed.

 

Sounds like an IAC, but just in case, check down the backside of the engine, there is a hose comming off the intake, about in the middle of it. This is the pcv hose, and it could have a hole in it. That would start out as a rough idle and progress to no idle. The IAC motor on this is located on the driver side of the intake, just to the side and under the throttle body. The put it in a nice place to get to.