Fuel injector question (I think)
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Fuel injector question (I think)
I am a car idiot so please be gentle. I am having some troubles with my 2000 Expedition (66K miles) today and the only conclusion I can come to based on my non-existent knowledge about cars is that it must have something to do with the fuel injectors. I am simply trying to me more educated before I blindly accept what some mechanic or dealer tells me/sells me.
Here are the symptoms:
Basically, it is behaving as if you are low on gas (delayed response when you hit the gas, feels like it will stall when you are idling, etc.), even though I have almost a full tank.
That is the best way to describe it.....behaving like it's almost out of gas, but the tank is almost full (this I am sure of).
Any thoughts?
Could there be any correlation to these symptoms and the fact that my truck has been not been driven much for 3 days while it has also been raining? (i.e. can water that is exposed to a sedentary vehicle for 3 days affect the fuel injectors?)
Any help is appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to consider my question.
Here are the symptoms:
Basically, it is behaving as if you are low on gas (delayed response when you hit the gas, feels like it will stall when you are idling, etc.), even though I have almost a full tank.
That is the best way to describe it.....behaving like it's almost out of gas, but the tank is almost full (this I am sure of).
Any thoughts?
Could there be any correlation to these symptoms and the fact that my truck has been not been driven much for 3 days while it has also been raining? (i.e. can water that is exposed to a sedentary vehicle for 3 days affect the fuel injectors?)
Any help is appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to consider my question.
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Fuel injector question (I think)
On your Expedition is a device called an Idle Air Control Valve. As the name implies, this valve regulates the amount of air fed into the engine during idle and low engine speeds. If this valve, known on this site as "IAC", sticks, the engine will stall or idle at a much lower speed than normal. The vehicle will also be difficult to start at times unless you press the accelerator during starting.
This valve usually lasts about 50,000 miles before giving a problem. The valve costs about $70, a dealer may charge you another $100 to install.
On another note, have you ever had the fuel filter replaced? Due every 30,000 miles.
This valve usually lasts about 50,000 miles before giving a problem. The valve costs about $70, a dealer may charge you another $100 to install.
On another note, have you ever had the fuel filter replaced? Due every 30,000 miles.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: North-East
Fuel injector question (I think)
Go with the cheaper/easier fix first.
Maybe the gas in the truck got water and is causing the truck to hesitate, either the gas station gas was bad or (almost impossible) water leaked to your tank.
Just go to a gas sation and buy a bottle of "dry gas", this is an additive, a small bottle, like 7 ounces. Pour that in the gas tank and ride the truck for a day to see if it gets better.
A bad IAC may trigger the "Check Engine" light as well as water in the gas. Don't panic. Keep us updated...
Later,
H
Maybe the gas in the truck got water and is causing the truck to hesitate, either the gas station gas was bad or (almost impossible) water leaked to your tank.
Just go to a gas sation and buy a bottle of "dry gas", this is an additive, a small bottle, like 7 ounces. Pour that in the gas tank and ride the truck for a day to see if it gets better.
A bad IAC may trigger the "Check Engine" light as well as water in the gas. Don't panic. Keep us updated...
Later,
H
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Joined: Oct 2000
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Fuel injector question (I think)
The IAC valve is a common problem with these engines and may be your problem. Does your engine run roughly when cold or when hot or cold? Is the problem long-lived or does it diminish after the engine is run for a while? The IAC usually malfunctions only when cold (extended periods between start-ups). Is your check engine light illuminated?
Like stated above, definitely replace the fuel filter if it hasn't been done. It is located directly below the driver seat between the frame rail. A new filter is around $10 and takes about 15 minutes to replace (with the help of a $5 tool).
You might also have a bad vacuum line somewhere or a bad coil pack or bad plugs....other common maladies.
Like stated above, definitely replace the fuel filter if it hasn't been done. It is located directly below the driver seat between the frame rail. A new filter is around $10 and takes about 15 minutes to replace (with the help of a $5 tool).
You might also have a bad vacuum line somewhere or a bad coil pack or bad plugs....other common maladies.
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Fuel injector question (I think)
Thank you all for your replies very much.
It turns out that it was a bad coil pack...only 7 of 8 cylinders were firing.
Again, thanks for your helpful and educating responses.
L
It turns out that it was a bad coil pack...only 7 of 8 cylinders were firing.
Again, thanks for your helpful and educating responses.
L
