2002 engine dies suddenly/unexpectantly

[rickatom]

2002 Sportrac. Engine will die unexpectantly with no warning. In most cases it seems, having to do with dexceleration. Some EX: slowing to make an exit ramp, making a turn, coming to light ,

No problems noticed while excelerating....NO problems starting

The check engine/service light is NOT on. I have seen posts with similar symptoms but not quite the same.

My first thought is the fuel filter. Where is it located???

The engine does not run rough and is quiet while idleing .

Last month I had to have it worked on due to a vacuum leak indicated by service light. One of the larger tubes in the front of the vehicle was found with some holes cracked in it. So it was replaced and air filter changed.

Any thought on this will be appreciated..

 

[Mbrooks420]

Welcome to the site !! I would guess that your IAC is sticking closed and stalling the motor. My v6 used to do this and a new IAC solved it. Does the truck ever make a whining sound that goes away when you press the gas? Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. The IAC is fairly cheap(around $50) and is a 5 minute job.

 

[04trac]

and if you want to try to save the $50, you could try getting a can of carb cleaner, taking off the IAC, cleaning it out, and putting it back on. sometimes this works because there is gunk clogging or jamming the IAC and the carb cleaner helps to unclog it. just a thought.

 

[tlott]

My 02 Sport Trac is doing the same thing in the same situation - deceleration - or low RPM cruising. Once it starts to die, giving it gas gets it back to normal. Going to try a new IAC. I've put 110,000 miles on it and this is the first problem I've had (been an issue for the last 10k miles or so). It's weird in that some days it'll happen several times, and at times it'll go weeks without an issue.

 

[rickatom]

I wonder if it has anything to do with this hot weather, I never heard of the IAC giving so many people problems until recently.

 

[Mbrooks420]

The IAC is a very, very commonly replaced item. I hear them whining around town all the time. Clean it, and if it fixes it will probably only be temporary, but at lest you'll know for a fact what needs replaced.

 

[kooter]

my truck cut off while driving down the road i was accelerating and i tossed it into N cranked it and started right up, back to drive and no problems sence, i got 55k on my 2002 ST. any thoughts?, no lights on, replaced battery 2 months ago and KN drop in and bosh double platinum plugs 6 months ago. and hasnt happened sence and its been dam hot down here in TX

 

[JohnnyO]

FWIW, the fuel filter is located inside the framerail about under the driver's door. There is a special tool that is greatly helpful in getting it off.

 

[rriveroll]

Engine Dies

My Sportract does the same thing, whats an IAC? Is there a part number?

Welcome to the site !! I would guess that your IAC is sticking closed and stalling the motor. My v6 used to do this and a new IAC solved it. Does the truck ever make a whining sound that goes away when you press the gas? Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. The IAC is fairly cheap(around $50) and is a 5 minute job.

 

[stilbo]

Before replacing the IAC, check the 90 degree hose that spilts and leaks vacuum.

Search this forum for "stalling".

80% of the problems seem to be this hose failing....

rds

 

[flipside]

had the same problem with my 01 sport thought it was a feul problem but it was the iac valve took it off cleaned it never happend since...i hear seafoam is good as well to clean all the gunk out of your engine

 

[cwall32]

I am having this problem with the 2004 ford explorer. every one says that it is a simple prob;em but i can't even find the part . how do i get the plastic cover off the top

 

[Blazchasr]

Had the same problem with my 02 ST. I cleaned the IAC, but eventually ended up replacing it and the problems went away. The IAC is located on top of the motor under the plastic cover by the intake.

 

[rambo3000]

Hello yesterday I bypassed my ac because it was broke, car ran better then it had in a while. Drove it for about 50 miles and I all of a sudden I pull into my drive way it dies, sounds very similar to the problem every ones talking about.

I cleaned the AIC vavle about a year ago and checked for cracks in the hoses but nothing.

I put a new belt on it and it fits pretty tight so I dont think that it but could it.

Thanks for the help

 

[rambo3000]

I just drove the car again around the block and it worked fine for about 5 minutes and when I pulled back into my drive way it was struggling idling.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Cleaning the IAC doesn’t always work, they also wear out.

 

[rambo3000]

You dont think getting a smaller belt might solve the problem? thanks for the reply

 

[Mbrooks420]

Is the current belt loose? The belt is driven by the motor, not the other way around. I don’t see how a tighter belt would fix a stalling issue.

 

[rambo3000]

OK thanks, the belt is pretty tight but its funny 24 hours after replacing the belt this has started happening, Also I noticed that the engine is running allot hotter. I took it to the store and it ran great for 10 minutes and then died again.

I really appreciate your replies.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Put the short belt back on and see if anything changes.