Loss of power

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

I had to replace the cats, cost me $780.00 but it runs like new!

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 ?

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?

[quote:0d8ca7a2e5="Jacobandnickolas"]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?[/quote:0d8ca7a2e5]

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.

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.

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?

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.

Let me know if this helps. Joe

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?

That sounds like a good idea. THe vacuum hose is very cheap.

so my husband replace the wires and now he sees it sparking in other places. Could that mean the coil pack is bad?

Where is it sparking?

it is sparking right where the wire plugs into the spark plug.... but its running much better

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.

it is brand new wires.... he replaced the whole set. could it still be bad or could something else be causing it?...

my husband wanted to know if it could be because there isn't enough dielectric grease on it?

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.

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.

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.

It seems like it's only when ac is on

By nature, the AC does place an additional load on the engine. However, I have seen cases where the AC compressor was in the process of locking up which added more of a load. It could be something like that. Are any strange sounds coming from the compressor?

Yes a heavy whining when acceleration happens.

Is it coming from the compressor? If so, it is most likely going bad or there is a bearing issue with it.

My 2003 Ford Explorer just went from 45 miles and the acceleration went down to nothing and then just stopped. I'm not sure what happened. First it started to make a noise like something was loose. Could this be the fuel injector?

Hello,

This sounds like you have a catalytic converter that has fallen apart internally. To be sure here is a guide top help confirm the issue:

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

Does the engine start and idle? Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? that would be great. You can upload it here with your response.