hesitation when I give it gas

[Thelt]

I have noticed that my Explorer sometimes hesitates for a second before it engages the gears when I press the gas. Usually it happens at low speeds. Is this a sign that the transmission is going or is it just the fuzzy logic the thing has. I think it has always done this but as the miles pile up I worry about it more.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Clean the MAF sensor, replace the fuel filter, and add fuel injector cleaner.

 

[Thelt]

Clean the MAF sensor, replace the fuel filter, and add fuel injector cleaner.

What is the best way to clean the MAF sensor, they sell some spray stuff for that I think, is that the way to go?

 

[kars85]

The sensor itself is a tiny wire filament within the MAF housing. I would use a good Q-tip and some electrical component cleaner.

 

[Thelt]

I googled it and read that you should not touch the filament because it is delicate and will break.

 

[kars85]

As long as you don't go at it like monkey, often times that's the only way to really remove the crud/oil that builds of from cotton gauze filters. The filament gets hot, so be sure to let cool before you touch it (just to err on the side of safe)

If you're not running a K&N/Mac oiled filter, then you might be fine just using electrical cleaner.

 

[Thelt]

I have a stock air filter. When I went out to lunch just now I unplugged the MAF and drove it around a bit. This made things worse. It had a longer hesitation when taking off from a stop.

 

[crash594]

The sensor itself is a tiny wire filament within the MAF housing. I would use a good Q-tip and some electrical component cleaner.

No Q-tip it can break and it will cost $$$$$ They sell a spray for it in the parts store or ask the salesperson.

 

[Thelt]

None of you think this is a sign of impending doom for my transmission? I can deal with replacing the whole MAF sensor if I need to.

 

[crash594]

Its all electrical. Start with the basic and work your way up. I would hate to pay for a $2000 trany rebuild and find I needed to clean my intake ($20 in carb cleaner). Besides it will not hurt to do preventive maintenance.

 

[Thelt]

I just wonder how long I should keep it before I trade it in. I would rather trade it on a newer car than pay for a tranny rebuild.

 

[crash594]

How many miles on it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check # 42 in my list of useful threads for more information.

 

[Thelt]

How many miles on it.

126k

 

[crash594]

Little to late for after market warrenty purchase. Hope some of the other AWD key in. Other that that its a going to be your call. Your right in that ugly year range.

 

[Thelt]

It seems to be doing better now. Maybe it reset something when I unplugged the MAF sensor and drove it a bit. It will be paid off soon, I am going to just ride it out and hope for the best. Even if I have to get the tranny rebuilt it will be cheaper than buying a new car.

 

[Thelt]

I decided to clean the MAF sensor yesterday. A can of cleaner is cheap. I think it helped it some. The throttle response seems improved.

 

[aspitaletto]

its a delay set by ford. its there for the transmission and driveline 'safety'

 

[geesworld2003]

I notice with my 2003 Explorer it idles really rough when stopping at a light now, I bought an egr valve but that spr the problem for a little bit now it seems like it wants to cut off. while idling. does anyone have a clue what it could be?