00 Explorer Stalling When Stopping

[puzzaa]

Hey guys! I have a situation that may stump you!

So the other day I was driving and I heard a noise come from the back of the truck. Also at the time my gas gauge dropped to E. After some looking around I notice something fell inside of the tank! Could this be the float module?

Anyway around that time (not sure if they are related) but I now when I come to a stop the truck seems to stall (when I hit them hard the truck will stall, if not it just bogs down for a sec). The IAC seems to be doing its job because after I let off the brakes the truck seems to rev and lurch me forward a bit. I assumed my intake gasket leak had just gotten that bad that it was time to replace them. I replaced and still the same issue. Also checked brake booster line and no leaks there. Any help and if this is related to the gas issue?

Also not as related but my coolant temp sensor went out so I replaced that as well but now my gauge stays to C (I checked with a scanner and the computer is registering the coolant temp it’s just not showing on the dash). I double checked my wiring everything’s good!

Let me know if anyone has experienced this and thanks to any help!!

 

[MrQ]

Its possible the float on the arm fell off. I have seen them come out broken. Another possible issue could be the gas retainer (for lack of a better term) under the fuel pump assembly. One time I had it break loose in the tank. It also could have taken out your float. It's like a black plastic tray that holds the fuel under the pump for it to pick up. When it was gone, any time I did a hard stop or I took a tight turn with an 1/4 tank of gas the engine would lose power or die.

 

[puzzaa]

So you think my main problem is in my gas tank?

 

[MrQ]

Its possible...hearing something banging around in your tank is never a good sign. You will have to drop it anyway.

As for the coolant sensor, no clue, Might just be a bad gauge. You tried hitting the panel (for real). I had a dodge whose instrument cluster randomly stopped working. Hit it with my fist in the morning and it started working again.

 

[puzzaa]

Going to drop the tank in the next few days it’s a relatively simple process I got a assembly off a donor explorer only took about a half hour (damn gas lines are so difficult to take off)

Double checked for air leaks retorqued all the intake bolts checked hoses everything air wise is sealed and working properly.

Anyone know if the IAC valve is my issue as well? I replaced at 100k but the truck has 250k on it now so it might be time. I assumed it’s working because the car does correct itself when it bogs down and lurch’s me forward but I have no idea if that is the IAC or not.

Also on the coolant temp sensor topic, my explorer has two coolant sensors. One has a skinnier body to it and the other is thicker and needs Teflon tape to seat properly. The skinnier one runs to the pcm to give an actual temp reading (which is what I saw on my scanner). The fatter one that needs tape runs straight to the dash. As it gets hotter it sends more signal to the gauge letting it raise to the H side. On the forum there’s a simple test to see if it’s the gauge that’s the issue or the sensor. Simply get a piece of wire plug it in the connector and touch it to the block. When you switch the car to the on position the gauge should ping to H (mine went farther not sure if that’s an issue)

SO, my issue with the gauge not working was a faulty sensor from Advance Auto. Got a replacement put in there and everything with that works Now!

Anyway I’ll update on what I find in the tank when my garage warms up and I drive it around to get as little fuel in there as possible.

Thanks for your help!

 

[puzzaa]

So it’s the retainer/ basket thing you were talking about. The braket that holds the fuel pump and float broke off and was dangling in there. The black plastic basket thing is also just moving around in the tank. How do I fix or do I need a new tank? thanks @MrQ

 

[MrQ]

Glad you found the problem. Yes you will need a new tank. Some junkyards will puncture them to drain the fuel out so you might want to order a new one. That way you don't have to worry about a lot of build up in the tank.