I am having a hesitation problem in my 1999 Explorer V6 SOHC 4L. It is most apparent when under load, like climbing hills where more power is needed and when accelerating onto the freeway. As I lean into the accelerator the engine bogs down and eventually fights through it and speeds up. So, if you were able to find a solution I would definetly like to hear it.

 

1999EXP_XLT: Sorry to hear you have come across this problem. I have been dealing with this issue for just over a year now, with no resolution. I've had 3 seperate Ford Service Centers, 4 Independent shops and 2 Transmission Shops look at the X, but none have been able to find the problem. All have come to their own conclusions on what the problem is, but none of the parts they've suuggested that I've replaced have corrected this horrible issue.

Some shops have stated that without a CEL, they will be unable to determine the problem.

Each Ford Service Center state that the X acts normal, which it doesn't. I should know, I drive it everyday.

The Transmission shops state it's not transmission related.

All the other shops have stated it's this part or that part, but none of the parts replaced have worked or fixed this problem.

I feel for you, and hope your issue is not the same as mine. I'm a big Ford Fan, but I am beginning to question their quality, customer service help and the knowledge of their service technicians. They built this truck, but can't find the problem. Sounds fishy to me. I've almost got to the point of living with it until I can get something else. I've spent over $1000 in diagnosis fee's alone and I still haven't got a clue to what the problem is. I have spoken with another person on another forum that is having the same problem. They get the same treatment from the Dealers and Auto shops as well. This person and myself have the 302ci V8, which has tons of power & torque. But now we have to almost floor it to keep up with daily driving traffic.

Sorry if this was long, but it continues to be an issue that can't seem to be resolved. I know someone has had this problem before or that Ford has heard of the problem. Ford is just trying to milk as much in parts and service as they possibly can. Hope you get this corrected. If you do, please let us know where and what the problem was. As it may be something I haven't tried yet, but here are the parts I have replaced so far:

FPR(twice), all 8 plugs(twice), all 8 wires, IAC, TPS, EGR, DPFE, all 4 O2's, had the PCM reprogrammed and cleaned MAF/MAS(twice).

All started when a #4 plug went bad and set off the CEL. Since having Ford check the CEL, determine the #4 plug was bad and replace the plugs I have had the problem. I am completely and totally lost. Any help from others would be of great help. Thank you and hope you find your problem.

 

I have the same problem that is sounds like you have had and are having. I have 95 X 4x4 and notice my trouble especially after I have used my 4x4 in the hills and Mountains(which was a favorite pass time, but can no longer do it). I do notice it regular city driving too and have taken mine to several shops to try to fix the issue. I've been told to do everything you've done to include replacing MAS. Needless to say I have done non of these things at this point because I've been watching the posts on here and none of things recomended to me by the pros at the shops have worked for anyone else. I have noticed a lot of people saying replace MAS. So I will try this one simple problem and I will let you know as soon as I do if it works. I didn't notice that you actually replaced this particular part (but you did adjust and clean it) and might suggest that you look into replacing it. If you do do this before I get back to you, please let me know if it improved your situation at all.

 

Well, after doing some more reading of this forum and receiving some information from the parts dept at ford and a mechanic I figured out that my DPFE had gone bad. A new sensor set me back about $70 and removed all of the hesitation under load. The ford guy in the parts dept said the DPFE is a very popular item and he stocks many of them as they are prone to go bad. My question is why would ford sell us a vehicle with such a known problem? Why not make it a recall and cut us a break as $70 a pop is not exactly peanuts to the average joe. Well, anyway I am back on road again for the time being. Also, the only time that the CEL/MIL ever lit up was under heavy acceleration onto the freeway. It flashed 5 or 6 times and turned off. The code is stored there, but the light remains off.

 

1999EXP_XLT - Glad to hear it sounds like your issue has been resolved. The DPFE is a part that I have replaced once already, with no improvement in the X's horrible performance. My CEL has not come on since the #4 plug went out, so it sounds like we may have a little different problem then each other. Glad you're back and running strong like before, damn I miss those days. Getting passed by a little Geo Metro on hills is kind of embarrassing when you've got a 302ci V8 under the hood.

Ford is aware of the DPFE problem, but have never issued a recall. The word I received on the DPFE from the Ford Customer Service 800 # was as follows: Ford only orders recalls when it is a problem that could cause safety issues. If the problem does not cause any safety concerns, then they don't issue a recall. They just put out a TSB. A TSB is basically a Service Bulletin that is sent to all Ford service centers making them aware of the problem. With this TSB the service center can better determine what may be the issue with a particular vehicle. Still they make you pay service fees and for the part if you have the work completed through Ford. Either which way you still have to pay for the part, whether you replace it yourself or if you have someone do it for you. Not a good business practice, but I guess Ford see's this as a way of making more $$$.

Ford also has problems with the MAS. They are also aware of this, but again it's not a safety concern, so they have not and will not issue a recall. To many people have had these two problems, that I think a recall is warranted, but you can't force a company to issue a recall. All you can do is take your business somewhere else. Otherwise you can file a complaint with the BBB, which gets you no where. The BBB files the complaint in their system, but never truely follows up with you or the company. Only time the BBB takes any of these issues seriously is when something like the Firestone tires situation occurs. Otherwise I've found the BBB to be completely useless in resolving issues. ****, Ford made my X, but can't find the problem. Another company just trying to empty our pockets either in new parts, upgrades or new vehicles. All Ford service centers I've been to say that the X is getting old and this will happen so I should buy a new truck with them. I can understand that to an extent, but to the severity that I'm having the problem is ludacris. The X is only 4yrs old with under 70K miles.

KevinJOC - I haven't tried replacing the MAS, but yes I have had it adjusted and cleaned twice. With no luck of this correcting the problem. Of course please let us know if this works for you or not. Hope you've found your problem.

 

I have a '97 5.0 V8 X with 90K miles, and I believe I have the same problem you have described in all your posts. It started a week or so ago. I posted the issue under a separate subject "burned match odor." When you laid on the accelerator, did you get any kind of odor in the cabin similar to a burned match. Sometimes it is so bad that I have to roll down the windows to keep from choking.

I can relate to the embarrassment when climbing. I live in Tulsa where there are a lot of hills, and I feel like I'm not moving. I have had to fill up for the second time this week when I'm only driving <10 miles per day. Do you think all the problems (rough idle, loping, misfiring, poor MPG, lack of power, lagging transmission, jumping, etc.) are related to the same cause? I'm going to follow this thread closely and begin with some of the steps you took.

This stinks (literally and figuratively).

 

V8EXPLR -

Did you or DarkFox ever have any positive effects from anything you have done? I know this has been going on for a very long time.

I offered to let DarkFox borrow an extra PCM I have, but he wasn't ever able to come try it. Can you make a list of your symptoms again, and all the things you have done. I have some new thoughts on his, but I want ot see what is wrong and what you have doen before I say anything...

 

Well I replaced my DPFE and my truck is smoth as a, well lets just say it's running great again. The new one rattles when you shake it and the old one doesn't.

 

On the older V8s , check the vac. line to the egr valve . On mine , the line was porous from heat and time causing the valve to only open partially causing rough idle and CEL .

Now havin issues with my daughters Sport 4.0 SOHC , cold start - doesn't want to run - rough idle - CEL - intake manifold leak - again .

 

Anyone ever check their exhaust for blockage? Maybe catalytic converter, mud or other build up in the muffler?