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Loss of power

Tiny
DANBYRDSR
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
Idles fine no power while driving will not accelerate rpm won't go over 3000 Rpm jumps up over 3000 then drops to 2500 or less replaced fuel filter same problem replaced air filter same problem. It occurs in forward or reverse.
Wednesday, December 18th, 2013 AT 3:19 AM

25 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
This sounds like you have a clogged catalytic converter to be sure lets run these tests by following these guides.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

and this guide may help as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

Please run down these guides and report back

Cheers
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Wednesday, December 18th, 2013 AT 5:55 AM
Tiny
REEBABII
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I had to replace the cats, cost me $780.00 but it runs like new!
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:08 PM
Tiny
B9R
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • V8
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 91,000 MILES
My explorer seems to bog down during acceleration, mainly on days when it's raining or when it's hot outside. Had this problem last year and replaced the spark plugs and wires which seemed to solve the problem, however a year later it is happening again. Any suggestions on what it could be?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
If it seems to happen when it's wet or really hot outside, it sounds like the ignition wires. WHen you got them, did they have a warranty?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
B9R
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Not sure, I'd have to ask my husband. Today when I was accelerating to get on the highway, it was bogging and the check engine light started blinking.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Actually, the check engine light coming on is a good thing. Now the computer has a stored code which will idenetify where the problem is coming from. Take the car to a nationally recognized parts store and have them scan the computer for codes. Most stores will do it for free, so there is no money out of pocket.

Have that done and let me know what they find.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
B9R
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Got the codes read. Cylinder #3 not firing, egr valve and vacuum leak. Don't know where cylinder 3 is or how to fix it, and can a hole in the exhaust be considered a vacuum leak?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
No to the exhaust. THe egr is on the intake manifold and has a vacuum line running to it. That could be the both (vacuum / EGR) problems together. Many times with the engine running, you can hear a hissing noise where there is a leak. Give that a shot.

As far as the #3 cylender, you need to remove the spark plug and let me know how it looks. It may need replaced as well as the plug wire. Here is a picture to help locate it.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249084_92722827_1.gif



Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
B9R
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
So my husband looked at the car while it was dark out and saw that the spark plug #3 is sparking outside the wire. So the wire needs replaced. As far as the egr/vacuum leak, should we just replace the hose first because it would be cheaper and see if that solves that problem?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
That sounds like a good idea. THe vacuum hose is very cheap.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
B9R
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
So my husband replace the wires and now he sees it sparking in other places. Could that mean the coil pack is bad?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Where is it sparking?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
B9R
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
It is sparking right where the wire plugs into the spark plug. But its running much better
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
If it is sparking through the wire, it is bad and needs replaced. It will run even better when that is fixed.

LEt me know how it goes and if you have other questions. Also, if the wires are new, return that one and have them replace it.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
B9R
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
It is brand new wires. He replaced the whole set. Could it still be bad or could something else be causing it.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
B9R
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
My husband wanted to know if it could be because there isn't enough dielectric grease on it?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHEVY5522
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
  • 2002 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 210,000 MILES
It struggles up hills and to accelerate quickly. No check lights, oil and temp normal. When you put the pedal to floor it whines and you can tell it's struggling.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
No, that wouldn't cause it. You don't even need to use it. If the spark plug wire is arcing to a steel component, the wire is bad and it will cause a miss.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Have you checked to see if the catalytic converter is plugging? Have you checked fuel pump pressure? When was the last tune up? If the air filter clean? Keep in mind, if this is the original engine, 210K miles can wear a lot of things inside the engine. The compression could even be getting weak.

Let me know.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHEVY5522
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
It seems like it's only when ac is on
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)

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