2000 XLT stalls with high speed and heat

[Oldjayhawk]

I have a Ford Explorer XLT. Traveling at high speeds after an hour in 110 degree weather causes the car to stall momentarily. If I continue operation the vehicle eventually shuts down all together. All gauges read normal after shut down.

If I let the car cool down It can start up again after 15 min. Lowering the speed from 80 to 55 allows me to drive a lot further but the problem still persists.

What should I do?

Christian

 

[Majisto]

Does the temp guage shoot up into the red zone? When does it stall? On the highway? Give me some more info, please. It could be a clogged IAC, bad thermostat, or fuel related.

 

[JGAMBLE]

I had a similar problem with an 86 LX 5.0. Come to find out it was due to water in the gas, causing a vapor lock. Change your gas station and see what happens.

 

[Oldjayhawk]

Majisto,

Thank you for your reply. All gauges read normal with the vehicle stalls. Stalling and eventual shutdown of the vehicle takes place in 100 degree plus weather and while traveling at speeds of 70 to 80 miles per hour within the first hour of operation. If I let the vehicle rest for 15 min, I can start the vehicle again and drive at 55 miles per hour. What do you think?

Christian

 

[Oldjayhawk]

Water?

JGAMBLE,

I was on the road last weekend when the stalling and dieing happened. After letting the car rest about an hour I was able to start the car right up and drive it to an auto mechanic. The mechanic checked the mass air, changed the air filter and fuel filter. 250 dollars later and an hour later I was on my way and the problem came back. I have been filling up at stations from Morenci to Flagstaff. Could water be kicking up into the system? If it is water, why does it start up after 15 min?

 

[JGAMBLE]

gives the engine enough time to cool down a bit and the fuel in the fuel line cools down and stops boiling. Considering the number of places you've gotten fuel from though, kinda doubt that's the problem.

 

[Majisto]

Stalling usually means it's fuel related. Clean out your IAC just to be sure. It takes 5 minutes, and I know on the SOHC it's very obvious to find as soon as you take that dust cover off. Check the fuel injectors out, and pull the spark plugs out. Many times the sprak plugs can tell you how the engine is running.

 

[JGAMBLE]

go ahead and put some fuel dry in, don't cost much, who knows it might work

 

[Oldjayhawk]

The Ford people in Globe, AZ think that the problem might be the fuel pump. Should I invest in a new fuel pump or just dump my gas and change my fuel filter again? What is the IAC and how do I clean it? What does SOHC stand for?

Christian

 

[Majisto]

Originally posted by Oldjayhawk
The Ford people in Globe, AZ think that the problem might be the fuel pump. Should I invest in a new fuel pump or just dump my gas and change my fuel filter again? What is the IAC and how do I clean it? What does SOHC stand for?

Christian

SOHC means "Single over-head cam" It's the upgraded 4.0 V-6 engine in the Explorers. I assume with an XLT you have it. It will say on the dust cover of the motor if it is an SOHC.

To clean the IAC all you do is take off the dust cover, and locate a small silver cylinder device close to the throttle body. It will be held on my two bolts. I think I used a 3/8" ratchet to get the bolts off. Then, once it is off, and you pop off the electrical harness, just spray some carb cleaner (Or I believe WD-40 will work) into it and clean it out. Be sure the gasket is in good shape or pick up a new one for a buck. Then just put it back on. It's really easy.

 

[Oldjayhawk]

Thank you

Thank you very much Majisto and Jgamble for the comments you supplied to my problem.

Oldjayhawk

 

[TPLYNCH]

Try replacing the Fuel Pump relay in the black relay box under the hood and clean the contacts too. It's only a couple of bucks, and alot easier and simpler than replacing the Fuel Pump. It may be overheating for some reason and kicking off, thus shutting down the Fuel Pump.