No Towing Power

[RandyO]

Expedition 2002 Eddie Bauer edition. We have no power pulling trailer up hill. Started just after we got the RADIATOR FLUSHED, filled, and an oil change at the tire place. Noticeable difference from our trips, as we've had car for 5 years and tow the same trailer over the same mt passes. Power loss occurs when TEMPERATURE is over 90' outside.
It goes slower and slower, then down shifts (we're at 20mph now) up to 3500 rpms, then down shifts and we slow from 30mph to 20mph. UP , DOWN shifts every 15 seconds.
Work done=after rad. flush, we had transmission flush, new fuel filter. Our mechanic put hand over exhaust pipe and it was so hot he couldn't keep hand there. So we had all 4 catalytic converters replaced. POWER LOSS still occurs when temps are over 90. on hills and sluggish from dead stops.

 

[Gruz7]

Ha. Funny you should post this I just made the almost exact same thread in the 2003-2006 forum, I'll keep you updated if I find something I think may be helpful towards your 2002's issue.

 

[Bedrck47]

What is the weight of the trailer you are towing?
What is the engine coolant temp?

 

[RandyO]

Radiator flush, fill done a month ago, started the whole problem.( did they disconnect something?) Been towing same trailer with same weight for 4 years. Had to Rent a uhaul pick up last week to tow the trailer, went over the pass at Breckenridge, 55mph up hill at 2000rpms not problem, with the same trailer. Its a 4ft x 8ft cargo. new cat's x 4 last week, still no power up a hill.

 

[docraymund]

What you could do:
Check fuel pressure if it is within specs.

Check for misfire counts using Torque pro app and an elm 327 bluetooth device. There's a previous post here on how to do that. It shows the problem cylinder when no trouble code is present.

And consider switching to E-fans.

 

[RandyO]

Fuel pressure was on the low end of normal specs, when mechanic checked it 3 weeks ago, fuel pump replaced 18 months ago. What is an E-fan? can have mechanic check ?spark plugs. Dont do any of the work my self, but we are having someone else look at the Expedition next week and can have him check a number of things to trouble shoot. As I said before, all the problems came right after rad flush and fill and oil change, no problems before that.

 

[RandyO]

Drove up mt pass yesterday, still having problems (after 4 catalytic converters replaced last week), but some improvement. Could the radiator flush or oil change have messed with hoses or pumps. What about vacuum hoses becoming disconnected? We are having a mechanic look at truck next tue, any suggestions as to what to look for?

 

[RandyO]

We had the EXP. checked yesterday, they are saying it is a malfunction with the computer, as they cannot find anything wrong with the car. We will have the dealer look at the computer, but is there anything to look for in the computer function (like a new computer, or updates or reboot?)

 

[DesertFordRat]

It could just be coincidence that this started after you had work done. Take a step back and look at the problem without the recent repairs in mind. It could very well be that the computer didn't like a reading it got from a sensor and gimped the performance of the vehicle. Did any light illuminate on the dash when this happened? Fail safe cooling possibly? I would think there are some codes being thrown.

 

[stamp11127]

What you are describing sounds like limp mode. If the dealer comes back with "nothings wrong" then schedule a test drive with the mechanic / laptop and your trailer and head for the hills.
You don't necessarily have to have codes for this. The pcm is responding to input from the sensors and acts accordingly.

 

[Jb14]

I know this is a little older of a post but I have the same issue and it started as sson as I my A/C system replace front and rear condensor and Raditor which of course was completely flushed.

I never had an issue with dropping down into passing gear with plenty of power now as Stamp states it does feel like its in limp mode, cutting out not getting gas alomost like the rev limiter is activating.

Has anyone found any soulutions?

 

[The Governor]

I have had this same problem for a few years on my 2002 4x4 5.4. It only happens when outside temp is 95deg or higher. When below 92deg it runs like a champ. I have re-flashed (PCM) computer per article 2-12-3 dealer coding (15630)-Lacks power in High Temperatures-Program PCM. Replaced spark plugs, coils, replaced vacuum lines, replaced DPFE, made sure body plugs were installed (021203B), replaced idle air solenoid and EGR. Took to ford and they said this is how they are in hot temp. What is happening is the intake air temp sensor (just after the air filter) is sending a message to the PCM (computer) that the air coming into the engine is 140deg or higher and retarding the timing. Another forum thread suggested installing a resistor to fool the computer the air is cooler then it really is so not to retard timing. My mechanic suggested using a 6k OHM resistor and install it in the line of the intake air temp sensor. I will let you know what happens around June 2019 when it gets over 100 here in California. Good luck and hope this helps.