Engine cutting out/shutting off when the weather is hot

2000 FORD EXPLORER
240,000 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
LYNDEL MOORE
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
If we run the air conditioner in our vehicle listed above after a short while it will seem as though it is running out of gas driving down the road and will shut off at a stop. usually will start after a couple tries. even if you shut the air off,it will shut off at a stop.if you run the air for any time then shut it off because it starts cutting out,will usually run down road okay, but will shut off at a stop.
now that it is hot out if you drive for very long,running errands around town it will start shutting off at a stop,but will run okay down road although it does feel on occasion that it is like almost slowing down a bit even though foot is still on the gas if that makes any sense, that's how i can tell it's going to throw a fit at some point if i keep driving it.but here is the catch: if it shuts off at a stop i can get it started drive to the station put gas in and it will usually be okay.it seems if gas is like a quarter full or below that's when we have the most trouble.but tonight even when it was cool it started jerking/surging i could give it a lot of gas and it would go okay.when i stopped in my driveway let it idle it seemed like it was running out of gas but it was 3/4 full.so first started just with air conditioning or without air if it ran here and there and got real warm and gas was about 1/4 full.now it has begun to do it with full tank even in evening when its cooled off.
Jun 6, 2021 at 6:36 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

This sounds like a fuel delivery issue from a possible bad fuel pump.

Fuel in the tank keeps the pump cool. When the tank runs low in fuel, the fuel heats up and the pump will overheat. I would check the actual pressure to be sure it is putting out the correct pressure. You can rent a tester at a parts store for the test. There is a test port on the fuel rail to place the tool.

Fuel Pressure .................... 65 +/- 8 PSI

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

I would also clean the throttle body very well of all carbon buildup. I attached a guide for you for the procedure. Carbon build-up will not allow enough air into the system for proper idling.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Roy
Jun 6, 2021 at 7:01 PM
Avatar
LYNDEL MOORE
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
the problem seems to be fixed except for the problem of running the air.When air is ran it will still cut out and also shuts off at a stop light even after air is turned off.
Jun 7, 2021 at 2:40 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
What repairs were made?

Did you have the throttle body cleaned as I suggested?

Roy
Jun 7, 2021 at 7:13 PM
Avatar
LYNDEL MOORE
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
we cleaned the throttle body but also do we need to clean the black hose that the idle air control valve bolts to? We replaced the idle air control valve and it seemed to make it run worse so we put the old one back on.We drove about 35 miles with air conditioner on and vehicle started cutting out until finally engine shutting off.Pulled over waited about 5 minutes it started up ran a little rough then by romping down on accelerator it picked up and was okay until coming to stop sign and at stop began to shut off again. so i quickly romped down on accelerator again and it ran to a place to stop.Sat there for about 20 minutes it started right up drove fine for a couple minutes then started to cut out a bit. went down road to gas station put only $10.00 of gas in it because it had a full tank after putting gas in it ran just fine for the last 118 miles to our destination.Coming back home next day we did not run air conditioner at all and it ran fine.Do you think it could be fuel pump? because it acts like it is running out of gas but as long as it has a more than 1/4 tank and you don't run the air there usually isn't a problem.
Jul 19, 2021 at 2:23 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
It is possible but that is why I suggested you check the fuel pressure. You need to start there and verify it is within specs.

Roy
Jul 19, 2021 at 8:14 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.