After driving for a few hours when attempting to accelerate, the engine starts running rough?

1996 FORD TAURUS
210,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
PINGREY23
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
After driving my mail car for roughly 3-4 hours every day eventually when I try to accelerate my car starts running rough and won’t go above 40 MPH. It never does this until I have driven it for a few hours, and it gets good and hot. I have replaced the spark plugs and wires, fuel filter, and have added sea foam and cataclean to see if it would help. The sea foam helped for about 4 days, but I am back to this problem. Also, it seems when I pull over and shut the car off for 5-10 minutes it does help short term.
Sep 18, 2023 at 2:56 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,238 POSTS
Yep, I have seen a weak fuel pump cause this problem, we should run the codes though, this guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

If no codes are present, we can do a fuel pump pressure test, you can rent a fuel pressure gauge from the auto parts store for free or cheap.

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

Key On Engine Off 35 - 45 PSI
Key On Engine Running 30 - 40 PSI

Here is how to change the pump out in case you need it. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.


Sep 18, 2023 at 10:25 AM
Avatar
PINGREY23
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have two codes showing P0420 and P0401. I’m thinking with as old as the car is the catalytic converter is probably not in the best shape, but what frustrates me is my car does not act up until I’ve driven it for a few hours. I do a lot of stopping and going on the mail route and it seems to run perfectly fine for the first couple hours then all of a sudden I’ll take off from a stop and get somewhere between 30-50 MPH and it feels like it gets stuck so I'll try to push the pedal to the floor and it won’t go.. So, I pulled over for 10 minutes and shut it off then it worked fine for a while. sorry for the long posts but would the catalytic converter wait that long to show symptoms? I plan on having my mechanic replace my EGR valve just wondering if I'm heading in the right direction. thanks for your help.
Sep 19, 2023 at 2:27 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,238 POSTS
The diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420 and P0401 relate to different issues in your vehicle. Here's what each code typically indicates and some possible causes and solutions:

P0420: Description: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

P0401: Description: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Flow Insufficient Detected

So, I would say the EGR valve is sticking open, or the catalytic converter needs to be replaced.
Sep 20, 2023 at 10:59 AM
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.