2002 Ford Explorer Rough start and hesitation

2002 FORD EXPLORER
16,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KRISTAJBUEGELER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
When I first start the car it seems to act like it is not getting fuel to the engine- this happens more then I am at about 1/4 of a tank of gas. It has also begun to hesitate when accelerating from a stop. I have replaced the fuel filter, all hoses, spark plugs. I am wondering if it could be the fuel pump or the injectors? Other than this the car is in great shape and runs great.
Oct 13, 2009 at 3:42 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Dirty fuel injectors (cleaning the injectors often fixes this).
Bad MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
Bad TPS (throttle position) sensor
Bad or dirty MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Low fuel pressure (leaky fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump)
Vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum hoses, throttle body, EGR valve)
Bad gasoline (fuel contaminated with water or too much alcohol)

Sometimes, what feels like a hesitation is actually ignition misfire rather than lean misfire. The causes of ignition misfire may include:

Dirty or worn spark plugs
Bad plug wires
Weak ignition coil
Wet plug wires
Oct 13, 2009 at 9:39 AM
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