'02 "Sputtering Symptom"-Tranny or Combustion?

[deonn]

Hello,

Am relatively new to this forum, so hopefully I will get some kind of a response from someone out there.

About a month ago bought an '02 Explorer w/39K Mi. and recently started experiencing some "sputtering and hesitation symptoms" while driving. These symptoms seem to occur when the tranny shifts gears or going uphill around 45MPH. Recently, the "Service Engine Soon" light just turned on.
Not sure if it is:
-The Transmission (may need to be serviced)
-Combustion-related (e.g. fuel filter, plug wires etc..)

Should be noted that the previous owner didn't do a heck of alot to it with the exception of a few oil changes. Therfore, I performed the following services:
-Changed Oil/Filter
-Changed plugs (not wires)
-Air Filter
-Radiator flush

Any tips would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Deon

 

[dogfriend]

Sounds like a possible misfire problem. That would cause the "Service Engine Soon" aka CEL (check engine light) to come on. There are a lot of other reasons that the light might come on other than a misfire also. I would recommend retrieving the diagnostic code(s) which are stored in the PCM (engine control computer) when it turns on the CEL. Some auto parts stores may be able to do this for you (e.g. Autozone) if you don't want to take it to a shop or dealership. If you have Autozone retrieve the codes, post them here and someone will be able to suggest what the problem is.

 

[deonn]

Thanks for the reply dogfriend. I do in fact have a local AutoZone. Will try to borrow the code reader from them. I assume there is a connection somewhere that this reader plugs in to.

Any other input would be appreciated.

 

[dogfriend]

I don't have any direct experience with the 2002 model, but on the 95 -01 models, the Data Link Connector (where you plug in the scan tool) is behind a small cover at the bottom of the dash underneath the steering column. It should be in the same basic location on all late model Ford vehicles (95 and up).

 

[deonn]

Dogfriend,

Took your advice:
Went to AutoZone, plugged in the ScanTool, read my error message;"P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected", popped the hood, checked the Cylinder 1 plug wire, guess what? Cable was lose. I then fastened the cable, started back up and ran well.

Thanks for the tip. I was unaware tha AutoZone loaned such a tool since it is a pretty expensive diagnostic tool.

Hopefully others will learn something from this relativle simple, but helpfull tip.

Deon

 

[dogfriend]