2002 Ford Explorer Rough start and hesitation

KRISTAJBUEGELER

MEMBER
2002 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
16,000 MILES

When I first start the car it seems to act like it is not getting fuel to the engine- this happens more then I am at about 1/4 of a tank of gas. It has also begun to hesitate when accelerating from a stop. I have replaced the fuel filter, all hoses, spark plugs. I am wondering if it could be the fuel pump or the injectors? Other than this the car is in great shape and runs great.

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 AT 10:42 AM

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Dirty fuel injectors (cleaning the injectors often fixes this).
Bad MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
Bad TPS (throttle position) sensor
Bad or dirty MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Low fuel pressure (leaky fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump)
Vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum hoses, throttle body, EGR valve)
Bad gasoline (fuel contaminated with water or too much alcohol)

Sometimes, what feels like a hesitation is actually ignition misfire rather than lean misfire. The causes of ignition misfire may include:

Dirty or worn spark plugs
Bad plug wires
Weak ignition coil
Wet plug wires

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Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 AT 4:39 PM