2000 Ford Windstar cutting out on acceleration

2000 FORD WINDSTAR
103,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ULTRABUZZARD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
When I accelerate hard (for getting on the hiway), pedal down less than half way, when the engine rpms get to about 2800, the engine stumbles very hard and cuts out, as though someone is turning the ignition key on and off, and the car sounds like it is 'sneezing". If I floor it, it eventually recoveres and acclerates, otherwise, the engine seems to run well, and has just a bit of a rough idle. It has had a tune up and new plug wires in the last 1000 miles. what could that be? I was thinking bad injectors. I have done everything I know how to do to fix it.
Jan 30, 2009 at 7:28 AM
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SCHRIMPIEMAN
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 166 POSTS
My guess is a clogged fuel filter or exhaust.

Replace fuel filter.

Remove O2 sensor from exhaust to relieve possible back pressure, and test drive car. Yes, there will be an awful roar coming from the exhaust, but it's a temporary inconvenience during diagnostics. If your accelleration/power gets better with O2 sensor removed, you may have a plugged catalytic converter.

Make sure you have a scanner available to reset the PCM; you'll likely have a check engine light after this.
Feb 10, 2009 at 8:46 PM
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