Engine issues in Ford Explorer- advice appreciated - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Flabbibulin · 03-26-2014, 10:18 AM

Might be a long shot here, but any advice from engine savvy CPers would be appreciated. Didn't want to post this in the general auto thread as I am not seeing too many engine problem questions in there-

I intend on taking my vehicle in to have it looked at, but would maybe like to have an idea of what is going on before hand if possible- Ford service centers can be expensive, especially the more line of diagnostics they run. Google search hasn't yielded any results-

I drive a 2007 Ford Explorer Limited V8. Recently, whenever the vehicle is in Over Drive, which usually occurs over 80km/h, I get a kicking or jerking type motion in the engine. Deactivate the Overdrive and go into Drive and everything is ok. Gets worse the faster I am accelerating while in OD. The vehicle is fairly well maintained and recently changed the fuel filter thinking maybe this was the issue.

Anyway, any advice pushing me in the right direction would be appreciated so I can at least provide Ford with some extra details when I take it in.

Thanks.

Ironhorse · 03-26-2014, 10:28 AM

You sure it is not the transmission? What is the mileage?

Flabbibulin · 03-26-2014, 10:35 AM

Ya, I guess I should have said engine or transmission- it could very well be the transmission.

The mileage is a little higher than it should be for the age. Around 150,000

Timbo · 03-26-2014, 10:46 AM

My 2003Ford F150 had stumbling hesitation issues at certain cruising speeds/ rpm
I replaced my ignition coils fixed it
Approx 210,000 km
Problem would go away when accelerating so turning OD off might do similar in increase of RPMs

Bill Bumface · 03-26-2014, 11:23 AM

Can you narrow down if it's speed and RPM related or just RPM related? If it only happens at one speed, and one RPM (like you said, changing gears fixes it) it sounds like a transmission issue. If it's just RPM related, sounds like an engine issue.

Dentoman · 03-26-2014, 11:44 AM

Had exactly the same problem with my 2006 Explorer V8 this past summer. Only difference is that my check engine light came on. Taking it out of OD fixed it for me as well. Coil and spark plug were the problem. Before you let anybody attempt the plugs, ask them if they have done it on this engine before. If not, go to someone who has.
Search "Explorer 2007 V8 Spark Plugs" and educate yourself on the issue. All 8 of my plugs broke, and this was done by an experienced mechanic who was aware of the issue.
There is a technical bulletin from Ford out there somewhere that has the procedure outlined in it.

rbochan · 03-26-2014, 11:52 AM

It might be a tumor.

btimbit · 03-26-2014, 11:54 AM

^Is it the same plug issues as the 5.4L?

I don't know wtf Ford was thinking with those. OP I'd recommend getting those changed if you haven't. If it fixes this issue, great. If not, it'll still save you headaches down the road.

Dentoman · 03-26-2014, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btimbit

^Is it the same plug issues as the 5.4L?

I don't know wtf Ford was thinking with those. OP I'd recommend getting those changed if you haven't. I fit fixes this issue, great. If not, it'll still save you headaches down the road.

It is the same issue.

Flabbibulin · 03-26-2014, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

Can you narrow down if it's speed and RPM related or just RPM related? If it only happens at one speed, and one RPM (like you said, changing gears fixes it) it sounds like a transmission issue. If it's just RPM related, sounds like an engine issue.

It happens at any speed and rpm level once in OD, but it worse the faster I accelerate.

Flabbibulin · 03-26-2014, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dentoman

Had exactly the same problem with my 2006 Explorer V8 this past summer. Only difference is that my check engine light came on. Taking it out of OD fixed it for me as well. Coil and spark plug were the problem. Before you let anybody attempt the plugs, ask them if they have done it on this engine before. If not, go to someone who has.
Search "Explorer 2007 V8 Spark Plugs" and educate yourself on the issue. All 8 of my plugs broke, and this was done by an experienced mechanic who was aware of the issue.
There is a technical bulletin from Ford out there somewhere that has the procedure outlined in it.

This seems like a good possibility.

I am guessing taking it directly to ford and not a 3rd party repair center is the best bet?

Dentoman · 03-26-2014, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flabbibulin

This seems like a good possibility.

I am guessing taking it directly to ford and not a 3rd party repair center is the best bet?

I took mine to Knibbe in Crowfoot. They were educated about the problem and the potential issues. Actually gave me a break on the labor since I let them keep my Explorer overnight because they were getting backed up in their schedule.

If you are happy with the service at the Ford dealer you have been going to, then go to them. I was not ..... I will never step foot in the Northstar Ford in Crowfoot again.

Northendzone · 03-26-2014, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbochan

It might be a tumor.

it's not a tumor.....

Minnie · 03-26-2014, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dentoman

..... I will never step foot in the Northstar Ford in Crowfoot again.

Good call.

schteve_d · 03-26-2014, 06:56 PM

Do you ever get a check engine light coming on and/or flashing when the problem occurs? Because it's ok in direct drive and not in OD, it's possible it's more a transmission problem than an engine concern....thinking something along the lines of a torque converter lock-up solenoid problem. Even if you haven't noticed a light coming on, I would plug in a cheap scanner if you know someone who has one and see if there are any logged fault codes. That would at least give you a starting point if there's something there.

Dentoman is right as that was a known issue as well, but again you should have a cel coming on and it should log a cylinder misfire code if a plug and/or coil are causing the issue. I also can't explain why that particular concern would go away when taken out of OD.

Flabbibulin · 03-26-2014, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schteve_d

Do you ever get a check engine light coming on and/or flashing when the problem occurs? Because it's ok in direct drive and not in OD, it's possible it's more a transmission problem than an engine concern....thinking something along the lines of a torque converter lock-up solenoid problem. Even if you haven't noticed a light coming on, I would plug in a cheap scanner if you know someone who has one and see if there are any logged fault codes. That would at least give you a starting point if there's something there.

Dentoman is right as that was a known issue as well, but again you should have a cel coming on and it should log a cylinder misfire code if a plug and/or coil are causing the issue. I also can't explain why that particular concern would go away when taken out of OD.

No, there has never been a check engine light, which has me concerned on how many diagnostics Ford will run to find the problem- I believe they charge $100 for each diagnostic.

I did have a PM from someone very knowledgable with fords that it could be the torque converter.