03 sport trac issues

[94venomv8]

Hey guys long time watcher, don't post often. I have a problem with my 03 xlt. In the fall the truck felt like it didn't have much power as it should so I did a tune up, obviously oil change but did plugs (motorcraft), plug wires, new fuel filter, air filter, PCV valve and IAC. It did seem like it helped a little but still didn't feel "normal". So long story short within the last 3 weeks the truck has started acting weird. When I pull up to stop lights it will start idling like crap shaking the truck but not stall. It also randomly will have no power and I mean like pressing the gas and barely take off then will just kick in like normal and take off. It never actually stalls out and doesn't do it every time I stop. I've also noticed that it is sucking down the gas, I got 220miles out of 21 gallons this last week and I drive very conservative in 2wd. Any help would be appreciated. I don't have any check engine lights on, the truck has 130,000 miles on it and doesn't have any other issues, starts right up every time. I plan to go to autozone just to scan it anyway, I'm thinking it could be o2 sensors, but before I go spend the money I figured I would ask away since this forum seems to always come through. Thanks!

 

[swshawaii]

PCV elbow checked? Does NOT always throw a CEL or DTC's.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314670

 

[94venomv8]

Nope haven't checked that yet but will now! Thanks

 

[Markaprice73]

+1. Also, try cleaning the Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) and throttle body.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350613&highlight=mass+air+flow
Both big contributors to your symptoms.
Also, i would definitely reset you PCM. (disconnect negative terminal for about 15 minuets. Then, let idle in park for about 10 min without touching the pedal or any accessories on. Especially after any parts changes or cleaning of parts.

 

[94venomv8]

Ok will do. Just an update, I did get a hose for it today but haven't changed it yet. This was crazy today, it's almost like someone siphoned my tank lol. I had quarter of a tank today and drove about 35 miles today and the check fuel light came on. It is sucking the gas down! Hoping this will fix it, I can't afford this thing, worse than my f150 I sold and bought this.

 

[94venomv8]

Another update..... I got to changing the elbow today, sure enough it was bad, it was cracked but it was old and you could wiggle it on the ends where it met the plastic tubing. It was just wiggling around. So got that on, and so far so good with the idling at stop signs though I haven't driven it much. Relating to that elbow though. Would that cause such horrible gas mileage? I just can't believe how bad it's been getting lately. I'm averaging about 180-190miles per 21 gallons of gas I'm putting in. That's just crazy to me. I'm about to fill it again and will keep track now that the elbow is fixed.

 

[scapino]

I had a rear caliper freeze up once - caused my MPG to fall off. You should check that, but doubt it would be 100% of the problem.

 

[swshawaii]

94venomv8- The notorious PCV elbow has been known to affect fuel consumption. Although 8-9 MPG is almost unheard of, even with the heaviest foot, climbing and towing 5300 lbs. Did you scan for DTC's? Keep us posted.

scapino- A sure giveaway for a stuck caliper is a hot rotor or wheel. Burning brake pads have a very distinct smell, and if they get warm enough will smoke. Flush your fluid every 24 months and lube those slider pins with silicone brake lube.