2003 Ford Explorer - Engine Stalls: Need HELP

[RayFord]

Hi !
I am new to the form and really need help with some advice as Ford Dealers are not helpful.

I own a 2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer, with 66K Miles.

In the last 2 months, my engine stalled while I was coasting downhill. 2 times I was able to get the car stopped and then restart. But the third time, after the engine stalled before a stop sign, I had a van with handicapped people at the stop sign. To avoid hitting the van, I had to stop my car by hitting against a post.

There is no engine check sign, fuel was full tank, This poses a huge safety concern as I could have been with my family and small kids.

I took it to he service center and they were not helpful. AFter charging me with $200 for diagnostic, the report gave a bunch of items to replace. I took the car to 3 local mechanics, and none of them though the problem is related to what ford suggested.
They ask to replace Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Wireset with Spark Plugs. They also found a Bulletinn 03-3-5 IAC Motor Update.

I dont know what the bulletin means, but if it is a known problem Fiord should fix this for free.

Please advise what I should do. I am no so knowledgeable about cars, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Ray

 

[Donner]

Welcome!

 

[aldive]

Have you checked the fuel pressure?

 

[RayFord]

I don't know if the fuel pressure was checked. I will ask wne I call next.

I took my car to a local mechanic ..and he called Ford Service center. Even though the diagnostic report indicated performing an IAC Update, after calling the ford parts center we found out there is no upgrade on the IAC. So, it appears that the service guy was not sure what the problem was so wrote a bunch of things to replace totaling 2K.

I left my car with the local mechanic. He says to start off he will replace the IAC and the Air Filter, but cannot guarantee the problem will be fixed as the root cause hasn't been identified yet.

At this point, I feel very concerned driving the car with my family as this can happen again.

- Ray

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome ray

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Start with the IAC, and the MAF sensor.