2008 Explorer acceleration "bumping"

[rebman]

I have an odd problem with my 2008 Explorer and was hoping you could help me out.

At about 45-60 mph, when accelerating up a hill or accelerating to pass someone, there is a strange irregular "bumping", rough feeling. (Like, buh buh...buh......buh buh....etc.) It almost feels like misfiring, but not quite as rough. The check engine light is not coming on.

It also happens if I slow down from say 60 mph to 45 mph and then press the accelerator.

My wife used to drive it and initially I thought it might be a transmission issue, but now that I'm driving it regularly, I think it's more related to the fuel or ignition system.

It might also be happening at constant speed around 45-70 mph , but I'm not convinced as it might just be the road I'm feeling. It might just be I'm overly sensitive to it.

The idle is not rough, but after starting it I notice a gas smell that seems over the top.

I hope it's a no-brainer.....

 

[NissanTy]

I have an odd problem with my 2008 Explorer and was hoping you could help me out.

At about 45-60 mph, when accelerating up a hill or accelerating to pass someone, there is a strange irregular "bumping", rough feeling. (Like, buh buh...buh......buh buh....etc.) It almost feels like misfiring, but not quite as rough. The check engine light is not coming on.

It also happens if I slow down from say 60 mph to 45 mph and then press the accelerator.

My wife used to drive it and initially I thought it might be a transmission issue, but now that I'm driving it regularly, I think it's more related to the fuel or ignition system.

It might also be happening at constant speed around 45-70 mph , but I'm not convinced as it might just be the road I'm feeling. It might just be I'm overly sensitive to it.

The idle is not rough, but after starting it I notice a gas smell that seems over the top.

I hope it's a no-brainer.....

Mine does this exact thing except mine seems to be more harsh than yours, I took it to the dealer and they suggested I change the spark plugs...for $400 LOL. I'm going to keep my eye on this post to see if anyone has an answer as well.

 

[rebman]

Mine does this exact thing except mine seems to be more harsh than yours, I took it to the dealer and they suggested I change the spark plugs...for $400 LOL. I'm going to keep my eye on this post to see if anyone has an answer as well.

Everyone that rides in the car looks at me like WTF when it starts happening. My wife almost went crazy on our vacation over the summer.

I think the dreaded spark plug removal issues are why they're charging so much. I'm going to take it to a mechanic I trust later this week. Even if no one responds, I'll let you know what I find out.

My guesses were spark plugs, coil packs, maybe fuel injectors? Not sure. The odd part to me is no CEL.

Another thing I've noticed, it seems to only do it when the car has been sitting in the sun for a long time. I drive it every day to work and in the morning I don't notice it as much. When I come home in the evening, it's more noticeable. When I drove it over the weekend in the middle of the day, it was going crazy with the sputtering/bumping/hesitation.

:scratch:

 

[NissanTy]

Yeah mine does it when cruising with my foot pressing lightly on the gas pedal but when I give it more gas it goes away, its extremely annoying. So if your mechanic finds a fix it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Oudlose]

ours does the same thing with a little whine mixed in.. I have already changed the plugs so I know that's not it. It almost feels like the OD is slipping, we only have 67000 miles on it but I was considering getting the trans flushed and filter changed

 

[rebman]

I thought it was transmission at first, but I had mine flushed and it didn't do anything.

Taking it in today....crossing my fingers....

 

[Gadget X]

Plugs, wires, coil pack, or injectors are the only things that come to my mind that it could be. If your mechanic finds a different issue, make sure you post it. I have had similar issues with my 94, and cleaning the injectors pretty much cleared it up. You could try running some good cleaner through a tank or two of gas, (I usually run 2 bottles in a tank instead of one, but that's me!) and see if that helps any. Good luck with it!

 

[FordService]

Mine does this exact thing except mine seems to be more harsh than yours...

NissanTy,

I recommend seeking a second opinion from another Ford Dealer. This can be an alternative. Since your vehicle is out of the new-vehicle limited warranty, be sure to speak with your service manager, as he is in the best position to ensure a proper diagnosis, and will be able to provide available options and/or coverage for any work needed. Also ask if any specials/discounts apply to your vehicle.

ours does the same thing with a little whine mixed in...

Hello Oudlose,

Let me look into this further. Please PM your VIN.

I thought it was transmission at first, but I had mine flushed and it didn't do anything...

Keep us posted, rebman.

If you need further assistance, I recommend contacting your Ford Dealer. Ask to speak to the service manage, and try what I suggested to NissanTy.

Tricia

 

[Bobmbx]

If it feels like you're driving over a rumble strip, its your torque converter. Generally, the fluid change will resolve this issue 99% of the time. In your case, it sounds like it didn't work. So, it may be you need to replace the valve pack in the tranny, or at least the solenoids.

But first, try adding some of this

 

[96eb96]

You won't get a CEL because it is intermittent and not enough emissions to trip a code.
Have ford shop look at the power balance graph with IDS when the problem happens. Sounds like a misfire. Likely needs plugs but could be a bad coil

 

[Tech By Trade]

Coils and plugs, that is all.

 

[rebman]

I took it in and they thought it was the plugs so they replaced them all. They said the plugs looked pretty worn, but on the bright side none of them broke when they pulled them out. I believe they used the method where you do a 1/4 turn, spray them, screw them back in, pull them out a little further, etc.

I'll be driving it quite a bit this weekend and I'll let you know if the problem went away.

 

[rebman]

As recommended above, the spark plugs seem to have done the trick!

So far the Explorer runs like butter. No more lurches off a stop, no more hesitation, no more bumping. I wish I had done this a long time ago....

 

[CanAdrenalin]

As recommended above, the spark plugs seem to have done the trick!

So far the Explorer runs like butter. No more lurches off a stop, no more hesitation, no more bumping. I wish I had done this a long time ago....

Really?? Did you replace the coils as well??

I will be replacing my tranny and transfer case fluid this weekend, thinking I should do this too....

 

[rebman]

Yes, it really seems to have cleared up a lot of issues I was having. I've only replaced one coil pack because water was getting in and causing misfires. The rest are original.

It looks like it hasn't worked for everyone but it worked for me.

Good luck!

 

[CanAdrenalin]

Yes, it really seems to have cleared up a lot of issues I was having. I've only replaced one coil pack because water was getting in and causing misfires. The rest are original.

It looks like it hasn't worked for everyone but it worked for me.

Good luck!

I had this issue with my 2008 Sport Trac right off the lot, and they couldn't figure it out. I am continuing to have this issue with my 2010 Sprt Trac Adrnalin, and the dealerships still couldn't help me. If this is truly the fix to this issue, I wish ford would just own these problems and help the owners that are complaining about them.

This issue has caused me to have more "near misses" with regards to fender benders than any car should.