2002 Ford E-Series Van Rough acceleration, smooth idle

DANIELTB

MEMBER
2002 FORD E-SERIES VAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
89,986 MILES

At start-up, the van idles fine, no misses. But as I drive, after a few minutes, the van begins to hesitate and lurch. As I accelerate aggresively(ie. Up a hill) it has a hard time and power is very low. If I stop and put in park, it still idles fine.
I replaced the easy stuff (plugs and wires) but to no avail. Not sure if the O2 sensors need replacing or not.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi:
Make sure the catylatic converter isn't in the process of plugging. Listen for hissing from exhaust or other sounds. Also, it the check engine light on? Have you had the computer scanned?
Also check for vacuum leaks.
Joe

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Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 2:38 PM

DANIELTB

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3 POSTS

Yeah the check engine light is on. And as it starts to stumble through accelerating, the check engine light flashes for a bit then goes solid again.

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Sunday, January 11th, 2009 AT 1:13 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Here is what I suggest, most nationally recognized parts stores will scan the computer for free. Take your van to one and have them check that for you. It will identify where the problem is coming from.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Sunday, January 11th, 2009 AT 1:15 PM

DANIELTB

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3 POSTS

Just for giggles I'm going to clean the mass airflow sensor off. I've been reading that a dirty one can affect poor mileage as well as cause these symptoms which I have noticed a loss of about 25-30 miles off per quarter of a tank. It's been a gradual loss of mileage up until now with the poor performance just coming up recently.

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Sunday, January 11th, 2009 AT 6:33 PM