02 Explorer struggling at 40 mph and 60 mph

[wbcalvin]

What could be the cause of my Explorer to "stutter" or struggle at those speeds?? You can literally feel the truck banging as it tries to keep moving.

 

[Dave8338]

Which engine? How many miles? When were the plugs / wires replaced? Any other symptoms or issues?

 

[wbcalvin]

4.0L, 200,000+ miles. The other symptoms are bad smell, maybe gas burning, the check engine light flashes when the truck struggles, and it's idling rough too. I haven't had a tune up in some time, I just bought wires and plugs the other day.

 

[Dave8338]

Have you put them in yet?

 

[wbcalvin]

Not yet. When I posted I was still torn between tune up and fuel pump, so I guess I was looking for an answer prior to doing any work on it.

 

[MarX]

I would definitely do the tune up, probably check on the fuel filter, air filter, throttle body cleaning, clean the MAF ect and see if that stuff helps. Good luck!

 

[Dave8338]

What you're describing is likely an ignition miss, causing lack of power. If it idles rough, that is yet another indicator. A fuel filter certainly won't hurt. Unless you've previously changed the plugs and wires, you can assume that they are the originals. Happens all the time with 4.0L Explorers. They don't even show symptom conditions until after 200K miles.

 

[wbcalvin]

Finally got the wires, plugs, coil pack, and the throttle body cleaner. Thanks for your input, everything you've said definitely makes sense. I just went over 200K, and now it's doing everything you described. I will tune it up tomorrow and let you know if that fixes it.

 

[kevinspann]

Sounds like an experience I had with a bad coil on a Ranger. Poor idle, would get up to speed, but at certain speeds would run terribly - I think due to the RPM the engine was at.

Pull the plugs and see if one or two are fouled out like they aren't firing, if that's the case, I'd wager it's the coil.

The CEL flashing is a general indication of a misfire.

 

[wbcalvin]

Changed the plugs, wires, and coil, now the truck is alive again! Only now there's a thumping sound coming from the rear, but I think I need new tires. If it ain't one thing it's another.

Side question, the door chime won't stop with the key in, and the door ajar light stays on. Thoughts?

 

[wbcalvin]

Just went out and replaced the rear tires, now the thumping sound is gone. Apparently my mechanic decided to use 245 instead of 235 sized tires, so they were too big and were causing the truck to thump and pull to the right.

 

[Dave8338]

Good to hear she is back up and running normally.

Enjoy !