1997 Ford Expedition Engine Stutters and Shuts Off

Tiny
NICK.GUARINO
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD EXPEDITION
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 282,000 MILES
1997 Ford Expedition: Eddie Bower Edition, Triton: V8 5.4 L

I Have Two Major Problems With My Vehicle's Engine.
#1 Problem: The Car Jerks and stutters a lot While Driving and especially going up slop's or hills.

#2 Problem: Car stutters and Shuts off When I come to a stop at a light or stop sign. Not every time but it does occasionally happen.
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Sunday, June 6th, 2010 AT 11:25 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
Has the check engine light come on? The computer should at least be picking up a misfire.

Let me know.
Joe
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Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 AT 10:24 PM
Tiny
NICK.GUARINO
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  • 7 POSTS
Yes The light has come on, Im going to guess it has somthing to do with the coils over the spark plugs?
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Take it to a nationally recognized parts store and have them scan it. Most do it for free. Then we'll know where to focus.

Here is food for thought. I have the same vehicle in a 99 model year. Driving back to work from lunch, it started the same thing.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
NICK.GUARINO
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Found out it is the Spark plug coils that rest on top of the spark plug.

I'v been researching. Most models of fords truck's ans suv's between the years of 1996 and 2004 have high risk of spark plug blowouts and problems with the coils.
There is a developing case in California against ford.

Ill tell you what. After looking into all of that, I will fix this thing and trade it and never give ford another moment of my time or another cent.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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My check engine light didn't come on yet, so I'll just keep running it until I know what cylender is missing. I've been through this before. I have a feeling it is that same as yours. I'll replace the coil pack and plug and it should be good for awhile.

As far as the plug issue. Yes, I am aware of that issue. It was a concern to me at first too. However, the problem really doesn't happen that often. When you think of how many 5.4L are on the road between trucks and the SUV's, there really are only a hand full of problems. I have no idea why Ford made the threads so shallow.

If you haven't replaced the coil pack yet, they are easy (except for the back ones). All you do is unplug the wiring, remove the one bolt that holds them in place, and it will pull right out. THe fuel rail looks like it will be in your way, but you'll find there is a lot of room once the bolt is out.

Let me know if you have questions or run into trouble.

JOe
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
NICK.GUARINO
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  • 7 POSTS
I Just wanted to let you know that the stuttering and shutting off is due to the EGR Valve.
When these go out, the valve gets stuck open.
The Valve Controls the gas and exhaust intake and can cause the stuttering, poor power, acceleration, shutting off and, poor gas mileage.
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Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 AT 4:38 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I'm glad you got it fixed. Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe
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Sunday, August 22nd, 2010 AT 11:37 PM

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