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Post by Sasquatch on Jun 14, 2014 16:19:05 GMT -5
We have a '04 Ford Freestar van that has been having acceleration issues for a while now. We recently had it in for a recall on the torque converter. We had the plugs and wires replaced, a new fuel filter installed, and something called an EGR valve. The CV joints are needing replaced and we have an appointment for next week.
When we got the van back, it was showing the same problems as before only worse. My wife describes the problem (she's the usual driver) "On my most recent trip (on way home) it felt like I lost power while trying to accelerate. The engine was still running, but pushing the gas pedal didn't increase the speed. When this happened in the past, it just felt like a momentary jerk, and things were running normally again. This time, my speed kept decreasing (slowly). Fortunately, I was just a short way from home, but it was still a nerve-wracking drive."
Any Ideas?
Thanks.
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Post by mossberg500 on Jun 14, 2014 16:51:10 GMT -5
does the engine have a throttle position sensor ? how old is the catalytic converter ?
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Post by schall53 on Jun 14, 2014 17:53:53 GMT -5
My guess would be the catalytic converter is plugged.
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Post by Sasquatch on Jun 14, 2014 18:51:23 GMT -5
I'm guessing the converter is the same one it's always had, and the vehicle is old. 140,000.
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Post by sakorifle on Jun 14, 2014 20:08:07 GMT -5
egr is the exhaust gas recirculation valve, it puts some of the exhaust gases back through the combustion process burning up any unburnt fuel.
a blocked one would effect engine performance big style, sounds to me that your car had gone into limp mode which means it will only allow you to go so fast, here in the uk it is usually around thirty miles per hour, if this is so ,your garage should be able to plug a code reader into the cars ecu(the cars brain box) and the reason for it should be logged in there.
ask them to read the exhaust emissions if the cat is faulty the readings should be high.
That is if your cars are the same as ours.
Sorry i am thousands of miles away, both my lads are mechanics.
regards
Billy
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Post by deadeer on Jun 14, 2014 21:37:54 GMT -5
Being an internet mechanic is hard, but is the check engine light on? Yes or no, your garage should still plug in as said, a LOT of what is going on can be seen on the scan tool readout, and should be a big help to the tech. A fuel pressure reading should be taken also. Some problems do NOT show up on the scan tool and will need an experienced eye-ear for best results. Could be something as simple as the fuel filter. Usually the EGR effects the idle the most, but can hurt performance, although I have not seen one slow the car down to nothing. It could be anything from the tps throttle position sensor as stated, crank or cam sensor if distributorless, or control module in the distributor. It is very hard to guess over the computer without checking-testing various components. Good luck.
Jay
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Post by featherduster on Jun 15, 2014 5:31:18 GMT -5
I don't know if this will help but I just recently received a recall notice from Ford to replace the throttle body in our 2012 Escape.
The letter states that one of the symptoms that could occur is the reduction of power when driving.
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Post by HighCotton on Jun 15, 2014 7:02:04 GMT -5
First, I agree with deadeer...is the check engine light on? I'm not a mechanic, but I've restored over 50 vintage bikes in the last decade. I tend to start with simple first. Basics are good fuel, compression and spark/timing. If this has only happened recently, let the tank go down and then put some high octane gas in to eliminate that variable. Other items like the catalytic converter have been mentioned. These buggies are notorious for fuel pressure problems. The Freestar was also notorious for problems with wet PCMs. I believe that was a service recall.
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Post by Sasquatch on Jun 15, 2014 19:11:10 GMT -5
I forgot to say, yes, the check engine light came back on as soon as we got it back home.
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Post by 76chevy on Jun 15, 2014 19:34:36 GMT -5
Same vehicle, same problem. I had my computer reset and it helped some. I don't know if this will help but I just recently received a recall notice from Ford to replace the throttle body in our 2012 Escape. The letter states that one of the symptoms that could occur is the reduction of power when driving. |
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Post by greyhair on Jun 15, 2014 22:59:58 GMT -5
A sure sign of a bad cat converter is a strong smell from the exhaust, pretty hard to miss. Kind of like sulfur/rotten eggs, real bitter.
I agree with Highcotton. Do the simple stuff first, like a clean air filter, use brand name gas, and put injector cleaner in regularly, sounds like you hit some of that already. With today's gas, especially with ethanol, fuel systems get gummy right quick. I use Sea Foam on all my engines. You might be surprised how much it will help a high-mileage engine.
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Post by Sasquatch on Jun 17, 2014 11:19:58 GMT -5
Looks like it was a "fuel rail sensor."
Thanks everyone...
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Post by featherduster on Jun 17, 2014 14:40:26 GMT -5
That was going to be my second choice.
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Post by swilk on Jun 17, 2014 19:03:36 GMT -5
New(er) vehicles can intimidate a fella but most problems are a code reader away from revealing themselves. If codes don't show anything is where things can get interesting and expensive. I would much rather buy a map, o2, tps or other sensor than have a valve, ring or timing belt/chain that is causing driveability issues.
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