Inconsistent Performance

[Diggity UW99]

I have been having sort of a strange problem and was wondering if anyone could comment on it. Some days when I get in my vehicle and drive around, it seems like there is a lack of power and throttle response...both in town and on the highway. Then other days, I get in and drive around and it is completely opposite. I drive around and there is plenty of power and great throttle response.
Also, when I am driving on the highway between Seattle and Eastern Washington, there are a series of 3 large steep hills. I dunno probably 5-6% grade for about 2-4 miles each. But at the crest of each one my check engine light always comes on for about 2 minutes then shuts off. I checked the engine codes and came up with I think 124 or something. Whichever one is for the TPS. Does that sound like it could be the problem with my inconsistent performance and/or check engine light on hills? I don't want to waste $40 for a new sensor if I don't need it. Thanks for any input.

Dan

 

[Alec]

Could very possibly be the TPS. Maybe a dirty MAS too. Check all the wiring to the TPS also.

 

[Diggity UW99]

MAF was changed about 4 months ago. I will check the wiring though. Also, do Explorers have MAP sensors?? Originally I was thinking that could be the problem especially with the altitude thing.

Dan

 

[DarkFox1]

hrmm, well the inconsistant power sounds vaugley familiar.. heh the CEL tho I've not experienced.. DOH.. sorry my haynes manual is in the garage. I was gonna check it for ya.. well uh.. I dunno but if you find the CEL problem and it doesn't fix your power problems.. I'd look into the torque converter

 

[Alec]

If the TPS code came up then it most likely has something to do with the TPS. From your symptoms, that's what I'd change first.

 

[Diggity UW99]

Yeah, that is probably what I will have to do. I am just wondering why the CEL only comes on when I am climbing steep grades (or more specifically just cresting them) and not during normal driving if the TPS is actually going bad. I will let you know what happened as soon as I can afford to buy one.

Dan

 

[DonM]

Mine has a similar problem.

Only mine runs good untill the engine warms up! After about 15 min of driving the engine starts running rough. And the power and performance seems to be gone.

I tightend the lower intake bolts which didnt help any. There is never a cell. The Apten Chip took care of the engine running rough all the time, now it runs rough when it warms.