Rough start no acceleration?

PEACETOU

MEMBER
2000 FORD EXPLORER
5.0L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
141,000 MILES

The vehicle listed above is the Limited model, has been driven very infrequently. After changing the air filter in December, checking all fluids, adding antifreeze to the radiator in preparation for subzero temperature (-10F actual; -50° F windchill) the car wasn't started again until early January. Dead. Battery jumped. Started but puffing, blowing, backfiring, like it would explode. No idle and battery quickly discharged. NOW: Have cleaned battery posts; added distilled water to one cell; re-jumped 12.56V rest and 14.56V with Alternator; cleaned Mass air flow sensor (incomplete?). Will idle for extended period and starting without all that racket, but absolutely no power on acceleration. All fluids are normal. "Check engine" light that has been on now is off since cleaning the MAFs.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

When it is running, is there any smoke from the exhaust or odd odors noticed? Also, do you hear any noise from the exhaust such as hissing or rattling?

I ask about the exhaust because when I think power loss, one of the first things that comes to mind is a plugged or partially plugged catalytic converter.

Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if it seems to mirror what you experience:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

Let me know.

Joe