Explorer 2007 V8 Hesitates at 80KPH

[hodari]

I just started noticing that my Explorer V8 Limited with 124,000 KMs on it hestiates/jerks or kicks back at 80KPH as I accelerate from say 50KPH. The range of speed this happens is between 80 and 100 KPH.

If i put my foot down and open the throtle full say from 50KPH - I do not experience the problem and I can go all the way to say 120 and drive normally. When the truck de-accelarates and the speed drops to below 100, I can feel the problem.

I bought the truck in March with 110,000KM and i have done the normal oil filter, fuel filter, alignment etc. The next work is to replace the spark plug in about a months time.

I am not sure if this is a trany or a tune up problem. Any advice would be appreciated - Thanks

 

[Flag Gibby]

So it sounds like when you are in 6th gear the motor hesitates, but when you downshift to 5th gear you are good. I would say take care of the spark plugs since they are a known issue and see if the problem goes away.

 

[hodari]

Thanks - I am getting that done shortly.

 

[thebrakeman]

Yes. You have a plug/coil issue that only reveals itself at low rpm, high load. This will continue to get worse until it throws a check engine light. You may even be able to pull a pending code now if have a scanner that pulls pending codes.

Now is a good time to do the plugs anyway. Don't wait until the 100,000mile requirement (160,000 km?). Carbon buildup....broken plugs.....uggg.

 

[ScubaSteve613]

I just experienced the same issue. Driving on the highway at 100-110km/h and exeprienced a shudder when it shifted into 6th gear. Mine was caused by a loose coil connector. Seems that when a previous owner put an auto-start in my '06 Limited, they broke the tab on the connector. My first thought was that my 6th gear was on it's way out. I was very relieved when it was just that connector.

 

[hodari]

UPDATE - I did get the spark plugs changed, 1 coil was replaced, 2 spark plugs broke. Total cost was $600 at Ford Dealership. The truck is absolutely smooth now....