Hi,
I have a Ford Expy 2000 and up until last week it was my baby. I am not proficient by any means but I will describe what it wrong and hope that someone will be able to "help a lady in distress".

When I am sitting still "Bohemeth" runs fine, no knocks, pings or rough idle. It accelerates fine until I am doing about 45mph or driving along the highway I give it gas to accelerate it is sluggish or is hesitent. It never cuts off or backfires and no engine lights. That would make me feel better....It only has 55K miles...I have read about the plugs blowing and other things with the head gasket and I am getting sweaty palms.

I had the diagnotics done and nothing showed up. Checked the plugs and have a fuel injection cleaning done...Still have the problem.

I refuse to go back and have the mechanics continue to "try" things...my wallet is not that large....I purchased this car to get me kids around to soccer and ballet and I hate going to a repair shop or the dealer as they just wait for a woman to come in to give her the run around...

Has anyone had this problem?

I would love some help so that I dont seem like a "dumb" girl when I go back to the repair shop...After the cleaning and diagnostic I feel that they owe me more than just a cancelled check and a problem that wont go away.......

Thanks, BO's Momma

 

A few questions:

Where did you have the "diagnostics" done, and what kind of things were checked?

Have you changed gas brands or stations within the last week or so?

If you have a bad head gasket, you will see a decrease in performance. Another telltale symptom is "white smoke" or "steam" coming out of the exhaust pipes. Yet another symptom is overheating. If it is a head gasket, things like this will appear or get progressively worse until you will not be able to drive very far.

When did you get the last tune-up and spark plug replacement?

Does the vehicle behave the same if it is cold or hot?

Do you hear any noises such as rattles, clunks, or "sucking sounds?"

 

I am feeling better....I am not seeing any smoke, steam, overheating knocking, rattling, squeeking....Nothing....I hear head gasket and I get very nervous.....The car runs like a dream with the exception of the acceleration problem when I "gun it" or am on the straightway just doing about 60-65mph.

My husband did put gas in it for me (darn him), and used a different station than I use. I also remember that I was told that I did not have to use premium in this 4.6L....My husband has a Ford Taurus SHO (FORDUNIVERSITY GRADUATES) and he HAS to use premium or he clunks and sputters everywhere he goes...I think he may have gotten some bad gas. It is a little better today. On my way to work I punch it and it was not as responsive, but it was better. I think it might very well be the gas that he put in finally running out.

I could not tell you what type of diagnostics they did, I went to Precision Tune & Lube, the guy there is a fellow Yankee and he checked the spark plugs along with doing the diagnostics. Shut down the fuel pump to do the cleaning of the fuel injection system...hmmmmmmmmmmmmm....the plot thickens.

I only remember one time that this baby has ever failed me and that was when I let it get down to 1 mile to empty....I know, not smart, and it sputtered and then stalled....OBVIOUSLY!!!!

OK, with that said.....the mystery thickens....I have also not had a tune up as I was told by three people that I do not need it yet!!!

Thanks for your information....


CJ

 

Well that is interesting information, and what you were told about plugs appears correct. Ford does not recommend replacing the spark plugs and PCV valve until 100,000 miles.

However, in line with what you were talking about, Ford recommends that you change your engine air filter and fuel filter at 50,000 miles. If you haven't had this maintenance performed, you should. You can probably replace the air filter yourself for about $10-15 buying the filter at Walmart. I'm not as sure about the fuel filter cost, or whether you can do that, but shop around first...it should not be too expensive. I don't think that cleaning the fuel injectors was necessarily a good call on the part of the repair shop.

It does sound immediately like the gas was probably watered down. Try running a tank of premium gas (from YOUR regular station) next time and see what happens.

PS - If your "Check Engine" light ever goes on, or you are experiencing noticeable performance or transmission problems, go to your local "Autozone" parts store. They will scan your engine and give you error codes for free. Then you can come to this forum and post the codes, and one of us will most likely be able to at least steer you in the right direction.

 

Thanks so much....On the way home it was still not as powerful, but it was intermittent instead of consistent...I pushed it HARD too...WOW what a rush (smile). I will try the gas, but I was wondering if I should put in the "stuff" (stop laughing at my use of terms) that they tell you to use to clean out the system or was the fuel injection sufficient.

My husband told me that I shouldnt even go back to the service station because if there are check engine lights then I am just setting myself up for more "unecesary" charges, Yankee friend or not. They are there to make money, not be my friend....(My husband knows nothing about cars, or could you guess from my posts).

Thanks again and if I ever get that check engine light, I will log right on and post them.

P.S. I dont think they changed the fuel filter, but I will call the place that did the fuel injection cleaning and see if that is part of the service, which I doubt.

Thanks and happy motoring....

 

No, I wouldn't put in "stuff" right now as the cleaning should be sufficient and you want to determine if the problem will go away with good gas. If you want to use "stuff", I have had very good results with the fuel injector cleaner concentrate made by "PB Blaster". Its a small bottle of reddish fluid that will treat two tankfuls.

Most likely the repair shop did not change the fuel filter, but you should see the part listed on the receipt if they did. Whoever installs the fuel filter, have them give you the old one back because they have to. Then they will be less likely to give you the "woman" treatment in the future because they could get in serious trouble if they commit fraud.

Don't forget to look at your owners manual, and it should show you how to replace the AIR filter.

Also, the vehicle you have should give you reliable service for a long time (upwards of 100,000 miles) without anything other than routine maintenance, as long as it has not been abused or wrecked. So be skeptical if someone starts talking major repairs.

If you are a reader, and you want to empower yourself so that you have a better idea of what needs replacing when, and all it involves, buy yourself a Chilton's repair manual for the year, make, and model of your vehicle. They are easy reading so that novice or pro can use them. And they work REAL GREAT to cure insomnia too! I believe this site offers Chilton's manuals for sale somewhere on the home page.

Good luck, and don't get any speeding tickets! That will cost you more than a fuel and air filter.

 

Thanks for all your help....Schmooches!!!

CJ

 

Hey,
It got to the point that I was tired of the problem...

Went to the dealer and they said FUEL PUMP...I literally started crying in the service area...Women and tears....A mechanic saw me freaking out and said, "Let me drive it, let' just see". The diagnostics had told them that it was the fuel pump. I asked him did he pull those codes with or without the fuel filter in place. He said without...The mechanic looked at me and said "Good question". He jumped in and within a 2 miles test drive was back and said...COIL...Within 15 minutes, I was $200 short, but the problem seems to have stopped. I still think the power is slight, but it could be just me having to "baby" it for the last few weeks and I am just paranoid....

by the way...What coils are they talking about...I thought that was a suspension thing when you say coil....

Momma