I have this problem every once in a while on my 97 Explorer 4.0- I'll be driving on the highway for about 15 minutes. I'll slow down and go onto the off ramp. When I try to accelerate again, I'll push the gas pedal down and it will have no power at all. Feels like it is low on gas. I'll have to put the gas pedal almost to the floor and then all of a sudden it catches and takes off. The car has a full tank of gas. Fuel filter fairly new. New plugs and wires. It does not feel like a transmission problem. Transmission shifts perfect. Anyone had this problem before? Any ideas what this could be causing this?

 

how often does it happen? when it does happen, does it sputter? or does it not respond at all?

 

happens like once a week. all depends on the driving. I notice it more when I slow down from highway speeds then try to accelerate again. does not sputter. it just feels like I'm not stepping on the gas at all even though I am. I have to almost put gas pedal down 3/4 of the way until I get a response. it feels like it ran out of gas and has to wait until the injectors get enough gas to respond. by the way,I have no check engine light.

 

i could be wrong but i wouldnt think its a gas problem if there isnt more of a hesitation/sputter. to me it sounds like maybe a fluke electrical problem