2000 Explorer stars fine but stalls at higher rpm

[the2n12]

All of a sudden I went to drive it it stalls when it gets to about 2000 rpm. i have changed the fuel filter and no change...HELP as it is the only vehicle!

 

[2000StreetRod]

which engine?

Do you have the V8, OHV V6 or the SOHC V6?
Are there any diagnostic trouble codes?
Have you checked the fuel pressure?

 

[the2n12]

It is the 4.0 just not sure which one. How do I get the codes? I have not checked the fuel pressure. This happened overnight without any indications.

 

[2000StreetRod]

vin 8th digit

If the 8th digit in the VIN is an "X" then you have the OHV V6. If it is an "E" then you have the SOHC V6?

Is your check engine light on after the engine starts? If so, then you definitely have diagnostic trouble codes to read. If you don't an OBDII code reader or can't borrow one from a friend then you'll either have to buy one (they are a good investment): CAN OBDII Code Reader with Multilingual Menu. Or drive the vehicle to a local auto parts store (Advance Auto, Auto Zone, O'Reilly) and have them read the codes. Make sure and write them down and post them on this forum.

A fuel pressure gauge is also a good investment. I bought mine on sale at Harbor Freight: Fuel Injection Pump Tester See Ford Explorer Ranger Fuel pressure test procedure

 

[the2n12]

The check engine light is NOT on. The 8th digit is an X.

 

[2000StreetRod]

no codes

The check engine light is NOT on. The 8th digit is an X.

You probably don't have any codes to read since the check engine light is not on. That makes it more difficult to diagnose your problem. Did you replace or change anything prior to having the problem and replacing the fuel filter? If not and you have 200K or more miles on the odometer I would suspect low fuel pressure which can't be detected by the PCM.

 

[the2n12]

So do you think it could be the fuel pump? Should I check the pressure before replacing it and what should it re?

 

[the2n12]

Also it revs to about 3000 rpms in park then stall out unless I feather the throttle.

 

[2000StreetRod]

test before replacing

I always recommend determining if something is bad before replacing it unless the item is inexpensive and easily replaced. In the case of the fuel pump it is neither. The fuel pressure is specified in the thread I referenced. If your pump is bad I'll give you a link to a thread on how to replace it. Other possible sources of your symptoms that come to mind: MAF sensor, crankshaft position sensor, bad fuel, ignition coilpack, synchronizer, clogged intake hose/filter.

 

[the2n12]

I always recommend determining if something is bad before replacing it unless the item is inexpensive and easily replaced. In the case of the fuel pump it is neither. The fuel pressure is specified in the thread I referenced. If your pump is bad I'll give you a link to a thread on how to replace it. Other possible sources of your symptoms that come to mind: MAF sensor, crankshaft position sensor, bad fuel, ignition coilpack, synchronizer, clogged intake hose/filter.

Are there ways to test the other symptoms you mentioned?

 

[2000StreetRod]

less likely

Are there ways to test the other symptoms you mentioned?

Yes, but in my opinion with your symptoms and the age of the vehicle they are less likely. How many miles on your odometer? Did the stalling start immediately after a tank fillup? Had it been sitting for a long time (6 months or more)? If not to both, it's probably not bad fuel.

 

[the2n12]

It has 216k on the odometer. It started after a fill up, but it was the next day. The tank is full.

 

[the2n12]

So I removed the MAF to clean it and upon spraying it found what appeared to by a spider nest across the wire! Cleaned and let it dry and it started right and runs like a champ!

 

[2000StreetRod]

congratulations!

I'm glad you found the problem and it was inexpensive to correct. I found a mouse nest in my Highlander air filter box one winter.

 

[the2n12]

THanks for your input!