Stuttering, Hesitation, Jerking, Shaking Problems When Accelerating
 

Hi All,
So I have a 1999 Ford EXP Eddie Bauer 5.4L. I start noticing the problem couple months back. Since I don't drive it that much because we own another vehicle, I thought it was just the cold winter causing the issues.

When the problem first started, it would jerk, shake or hesitate when it gets to about 55km/h. The only way to stop the hesitation is by forcing it to accelerate (by stepping on the gas pedal) until the RPM increases, then release gas. Once I've given it enough, it stops. While it's jerking, I also noticed that RPM is stuck to 2000rpm then it just jumps up rather than move gradually.

I've searched couple forums and it seems, for most people that are having similar problem, the culprit is/are bad coils or spark plugs. So I decided to bring it in and get it checked out by 2 mechanics. The surprise is both of them found something else and no mention of bad coils or plugs.

According to the first mechanic (Speedy Auto): Did a test. No code. Mechanic said its engine problem. Low compression rate on 2 cylinders. might be a leak on the head gasket or crack. Big $$$ to fix. He said it's probably not worth it to get fix considering the year of the car and its value.

Second Mechanic: Transmission slippage and bunch of other stuff not relating to the main issue. Said the same thing-Big $$$ to fix and not worth getting fix.


What do you think about my issue? I was thinking of bringing it in to another mechanic for a third opinion but I'm a little hesitant. Or maybe bring it in and just get the coils & plugs replaced and see if it fixes the issue? Each of these checks are causing me at least $100 each time. With so much stuff going on, I'm not really up there financially.

Please HELP.

have you checked the pvc valve?

yea.^^^ That little elbow way in the back, that solved my same issue