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My 2000 Ford Explorer has no problem starting in warm weather, but as soon as cold weather rolls in it doesn't want to start or idle. If i do get it started I have to keep my foot on the accelerator to keep it running. It's acts like it's running to rich! After it starts to warm up (about 5 minutes) it will idle on it's own but will start sputtering and acts like it wants to stall, but then will rev up and idle again. It acts like someone is stepping on the accelerator even when there's no one in the vehicle. The check engine light has come on so I took it to check for codes. It showed a generic code stating a proble with the fuel mixture. I had the code cleared and the light comes back on in about 2 days, same problem same generic code.
I have replaced the following: Fuel Filter, Air Filter and Mass Air Flow sensor and still the problem continues. All help would be appreciated.  

Check the condition of the throttle position sensor and oxygen sensors.  

im having the exact same problem with my 99 explorer.  ive run the codes twice and both times it said lean fuel mix and the tech said to replace the O2 sensors which i did.  This did not help at all.  i also just replaced the idle air sensor which again did not help.  i found another site that said to check the engine coolant temperature sensor and that if that was not working, it would tell the engine it was hot when it wasnt?  

I'm going to try the ECT sensor this weekend. Wish me luck. Thanks  

Well we're back to square one. I changed the ECT this weekend.
Still idles cold like Sh%*!
To date I've changed the IAC,MAF,TPS, both O2 sensors and now the ECT. I've got a small fortune wrapped up in this SOB!:{
I even cleaned the throttle body and fuel injectors while I had it apart.
I recently was givin some info regarding the intake plenum gaskets!
Is anyone aware of this information? Please advise. Thanks  

In general leaking intake gaskets will affect the idle making it rough.
Have you looked for vacuum leaks.  

Yes, I checked them all this past weekend when I changed the ECT sensor. All of them were attached and looked good.
I've found alot of information regarding the 00M12 Ford TSB pertaining to the intake gaskets. I picked up a kit yesterday from my Ford dealership for $55.00 and have that next on the list of hopeful fixes. Thanks  

Have you installed the kit yet?  

i hope someone can help me solve the EXACT same problem with my 99 explorer. i've had it put on the computer twice. the codes read "Lean banks 1+2" and it threw an O2 sensor code. I've replaced the plugs and wires, mass air flow, & fuel filter. The Ford dealership also sucked water throw the vacuum line in the back of the intake to clean the carbon off the valves. None of it worked...i've had other suggestions like the fuel pump,Idle air Control valve, throttle position sensor, 1 or 2 of the 4 O2 sensors, and the intake manifold gasket....the next  

I installed the kit this past weekend. It took me about 2 1/2 hours total time to install. Was a pretty easy fix. I let the explorer sit for about 6 hours then went out and it started right up and idled like it was brand new. It has started and idled great the past several mornings. It was time worth spent.  

When I go to the Ford dealer what kit should I ask for?  

Ask for the Ford 00M12 parts kit. The Kit comes with Upper & Lower Intake manifold gaskets and new cam tensioner.  

Check out this site. Mike H. gives step by step directions for fixing the 00M12 issue along with pictures.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61152&page=2&highlight=00m12  

The upper/lower intake manifold kit was installed and the car is running great!!!!  Thanks for the info.  

I'm glad it worked for you. Thanks