Cuts out underload

[7FordExpedition]

07 EBS, 120K on it. When I am cruising along and go into a incline, even a slight one, I get a bumping, hesitation, like it is cutting out. This got worse yesterday when I had to get moving down an on ramp. It was cutting out bad. One time the engine light flashed a couple of times then went out and have not seen it since.

I did a cursory check under the hood and did not find any obvious connection problems. I cleaned the air filter, pulled the MAS and cleaned it with CRC, reinstalled. Put 2 cans of seafoam in it (1/4 tank of fuel) and ran it around for 30 miles then laid it up over night.

Have not got out to start it up yet, we are getting some of the effects of tropical storm Herminia or what ever the name of the thing is and we are going to sit tight for a while yet.

But. Any ideas if the seafoam does not work? I tried searching for an old thread on this without any results. I am sure there is lots about this, I just couldn't get anything!

 

[stamp11127]

The next time it happens try and keep the engine at that rpm long enough to throw a code and illuminate the CEL so that it stays on. Then have the codes read at a local auto parts store that offers the reading for free. Only do this if you don't hear a metallic banging sound.
Once you have the code (s) that will give you an area to start investigating.

 

[7FordExpedition]

Will do. The check engine light came on only for about 5 or 6 'flashes' then went away. The car idles great, cruises around fine except when it bogs down a bit up an incline. Sometimes shifting out of OD works to stop the cutting out. It started out as a gradual, sometimes thing and then developed into doing it just about every time it gets bogged down.

The only time it has done this on heavy acceleration was yesterday and when I let up on the gas it smoothed out and ran good.

After the storm blows through I will get it out and see if I can get it to throw some codes!

Thanks!! Appreciate your help.

 

[Transporter]

With 120K, when was your last tune-up? Did you have all your COPs and Plugs changed at 90 to 100K?

What you are describing sounds a lot like a COP has gone bad. If you haven't had your 90 to 100K tune-up, might as well have it done now which should clear and eliminate the problem. If you have had a tune up recently, Stamp's advice is golden!

When I have a miss and no codes, I find a long steep hill to help cause the truck to throw a Code. Once you get a CES Light, you should have a Code in the memory.

 

[docraymund]

Check the fuel pressure. You may have a low reading.

 

[7FordExpedition]

Storm has passed so I was able to get out and drive it this morning. Ran fine, could not duplicate the cutting out. I am the 2nd owner, I bought it from Atkins Ford in Hondo, TX. The dealer told me the PO had changed the plugs at 90K and I bought it with ... I don't remember, probably not much more than that. I was not told the PO did the cops.

So right at the moment I am holding to see if I can duplicate the problem next time I take it out. Thanks everyone for your responses.

 

[bloodhound]

Is there any proof the plugs were done? Mine had the exact same symptoms and it turned out to be the plugs. The flashing of the CEL is the computer going into "limp home" mode until the condition, i.e. misfiring, goes away. It certainly could be a COP, but those tend to either work or not work.

 

[CAKD07]

My '05 Expy (219K) has had this issue all summer. I changed the plugs about 100K ago and three COPS over the past couple of years. Various codes have indicated various things. Last one told me bad converter so I changed it (other one was already changed). Still have the issue so because my plugs are over 100K gonna change them and see if that helps. Might go ahead and put remaining COPS on as well. Seems to be the general feeling that's the issue. Taking it in this Sunday so will update after that.

 

[7FordExpedition]

Is there any proof the plugs were done? Mine had the exact same symptoms and it turned out to be the plugs. The flashing of the CEL is the computer going into "limp home" mode until the condition, i.e. misfiring, goes away. It certainly could be a COP, but those tend to either work or not work.

No, no proof, just what the dealer told me when I asked. And I did not pursue it further. I took it out today and it started doing the same thing. Plugs/cops are in the very near future.

 

[7FordExpedition]

My '05 Expy (219K) has had this issue all summer. I changed the plugs about 100K ago and three COPS over the past couple of years. Various codes have indicated various things. Last one told me bad converter so I changed it (other one was already changed). Still have the issue so because my plugs are over 100K gonna change them and see if that helps. Might go ahead and put remaining COPS on as well. Seems to be the general feeling that's the issue. Taking it in this Sunday so will update after that.

Yeah, looks like I am heading in that direction too!

 

[soundtransmissi]

My '06 had what seems to be a similar problem, it would lose power and go sluggish under heavy demand. it was intermittent, but downright scary when it would happen on the highway at 70 MPH. It ended up being the throttle body. It was not a totally unheard of problem with the second generations, from what I found out, so don't know if the 3rd generations are prone to the same problem.

 

[The Swagonmaster]

I just had the very same problem, of course I have 166k on my 07. Turned out to be just worn spark plugs.

 

[7FordExpedition]

I called Crossroads Ford in Southern Pines to make an appointment to get it done, they can't do it until Sept 14th. Cost for motorcraft parts and labor (plugs/cops) will be $603 out the door ... UNLESS ... GET THIS ... UNLESS ... they break a plug off, then they will charge me an extra half hour labor for each plug they break off to get it out.

They tell me the plugs/cops calls for 4 hours labor. Then if they break any/all off it could mean as much as an extra 4 hours labor.

Ford designed and manufactured the engine, they make the plugs, they train and certify the mechanics in how to do this ... and if they break it ... I pay extra for it.

I just think it is odd.

Well, see how it goes on the 14th.

 

[The Swagonmaster]

Just so everyone with a check engine light type issue will know, if the cel ever comes on and then goes out the code stays in memory and can be retrieved with a scan tool. Just because the light is not currently on don't give up hope!

 

[The Swagonmaster]

Please realize that if the check engine light has come on and then gone off the trouble code can still be read. It stays in memory for three drive cycles before being cleared.

 

[CAKD07]

Ok, I promised a follow up. My '05 Expy had the same issue, under load it would cut out, the CEL would come on, etc. Finally Goodyear changed all the sparkplugs at 221K (last time was at 115K) plus they changed out all coil boots. Not saying that solves it for everyone but I'd recommend changing the plugs, boots, and coils all at the same time before 100K. I had to suffer with this all summer and I know the Goodyear guys didn't like it either. Now it runs like brand new!

 

[7FordExpedition]

I am very puzzled this morning. Certainly frustrated. Maybe on the edge of psycopisstamania. Real close.

OK, it is September 14th. Time to take the car in for plugs/cops. Just before I left I got a call from the dealer. This is Crossroads Ford of Southern Pines ... they have a monopoly on ford dealers in and around my area. Crossroads owns them all. Anyway, I got a call.

The Service Rep was nice. BUT ... SHE CALLED TO TELL ME THAT THE COPS WERE GOING TO BE $94 EACH. That would add like another $800 to the cost of doing the job they quoted me for plugs and cops at $603. Now it is over $1000.

I talked to the parts department, Leon told me that what you guys are buying for a reasonable price and what I have found online and on Prime for a set of 8 are probably just boots not the coils. They sure look like coils but he says no.

Anyway. I told them to forget it. None of the local independent shops will do plugs on these 5.4's. I soooooooo wish I could handle doing this! At this time the car sits, it is our primary vehicle but we will use it sparingly until I figure something out, probably start with getting a grandkid to help and starting with the coils.

And another question, when I looked up the cops, I got a variety of brands, copper wound, usually in a set of 8. I did not find 'boots'.

 

[DesertFordRat]

Yea, no... Run far away. They are 35 bucks on Amazon - DG508. A lot of people swear by motorcraft coils and the dealer will use those as well. You could get away with using a cheaper coils if money is a concern. Just be sure to read reviews. Your grandkids could easily do your coils ( if they are in their teens or older ).

 

[7FordExpedition]

Yea, no... Run far away. They are 35 bucks on Amazon - DG508. A lot of people swear by motorcraft coils and the dealer will use those as well. You could get away with using a cheaper coils if money is a concern. Just be sure to read reviews. Your grandkids could easily do your coils ( if they are in their teens or older ).

I did ... well, not actually run but I did not take my car there. After some searching I actually did find the boots the parts guy was referring to as well and the motorcraft coils for $35. Even found aftermarket sets of plugs and coils for under $120. Regardless. I did find a local mechanic in Carthage that does the work. He charges $300 out the door for the plugs and said he would test the coils and if needed see to them. He was recommended to me by a couple of local shops and a few other 5.4 owners around my area here. 2 hours the mechanic says. He keeps the parts in stock. Goes in Friday morning.

 

[DesertFordRat]

That's great man! Let us know how it goes.