Looking to buy a 2006 Limited, but have questions after test drive.

[bjohnson4406]

A local dealership just got in a 2006 Limited, black in color, 1 owner 87k miles, loaded pretty well, documentation for all work done since new.

They got it in last Tuesday, detailed it, and just got it on the lot Friday, I made it over today to test drive it. While on my test drive it drove excellent, not odd sounds, nice smooth ride. I drove about 10 miles to show my wife, started it back up after sitting for a couple minutes I started my trip back to the dealership, on the way back it became very sluggish on full throttle from a stop and at anything over half throttle while cruising. There is not issues in park at idle, and the truck has no ticking or other random noises at idle.

could this be a coil pack issue? spark plug issue?

Edit: forgot to mention this is a 4.6l.

Also the check engine light came on as I pulled into the dealership. their shop wasn't open today but will be going in first thing in the morning to have it looked at. Since they just got it in they said they haven't had a chance to do a full check of the vehicle. This is also a very reliable dealership and one of the best used dealers in the area.

 

[Boomyal]

It could well be a coil pack. That happened on my wife's 2005 V8 Lincoln LS. It would go into fail safe (limp mode) when the coil acted up. It showed up on the codes.

If they remedy it to your satisfaction and if they can provide no records of the plugs having been changed, only offer to buy it if they put in new plugs. If any break while being removed, it'll be on them, not you. Also ask them if they will be putting in the modified nickle plated plugs. In MotorCraft they are SP514's. The nickle plated ground tubes are less likely to hold on to carbon deposits than the original style non-nickel plated.

I bought a 2006 LTD from a private party 2nd owner. It has 125K on it and there is no record of the plugs having ever been changed. I face a possible challenge when I get around to pulling them to check them.

I've had my 2006 for about 7 months now. Everything worked when I bought it. It still does. I really like it. Also, you want to listen carefully when the motor starts up cold. If you hear any ticking that goes away, there are some broken exhaust manifold stud. Make them fix it. You might even want to visually inspect all the studs to make sure you can see the nuts.

 

[bjohnson4406]

It could well be a coil pack. That happened on my wife's 2005 V8 Lincoln LS. It would go into fail safe (limp mode) when the coil acted up. It showed up on the codes.

If they remedy it to your satisfaction and if they can provide no records of the plugs having been changed, only offer to buy it if they put in new plugs. If any break while being removed, it'll be on them, not you. Also ask them if they will be putting in the modified nickle plated plugs. In MotorCraft they are SP514's. The nickle plated ground tubes are less likely to hold on to carbon deposits than the original style non-nickel plated.

I bought a 2006 LTD from a private party 2nd owner. It has 125K on it and there is no record of the plugs having ever been changed. I face a possible challenge when I get around to pulling them to check them.

I've had my 2006 for about 7 months now. Everything worked when I bought it. It still does. I really like it. Also, you want to listen carefully when the motor starts up cold. If you hear any ticking that goes away, there are some broken exhaust manifold stud. Make them fix it. You might even want to visually inspect all the studs to make sure you can see the nuts.

That is what lead me to thinking a coil pack, I had an 05 Lincoln LS v8 that did the same thing and it ended up being 4 coil packs that were replaced( replaced under a TSB)

as you mentioned, after I get a call about what they think is wrong, I'm going to have them replace the plugs and coil packs before purchase, as I didn't see anything in the records of the plugs being changed by previous owner.

 

[Explorer_PL]

v8 do not have coil pack, they have individual coils on plugs. If one of them goes bad you would get misfire.
If the dealer can make it run smoothly, I would not worry about it. It is probably some sensor.

I would ask them to charge the spark plugs and do not buy stuff from them like "they do not need that until 100k miles", save yourself a headache and have them do it. I have 06 v8 EB which is basically same thing, and got 183k miles and it still runs great save for the ticking exhaust manifolds.

 

[bjohnson4406]

v8 do not have coil pack, they have individual coils on plugs. If one of them goes bad you would get misfire.
If the dealer can make it run smoothly, I would not worry about it. It is probably some sensor.

I would ask them to charge the spark plugs and do not buy stuff from them like "they do not need that until 100k miles", save yourself a headache and have them do it. I have 06 v8 EB which is basically same thing, and got 183k miles and it still runs great save for the ticking exhaust manifolds.

ahh, thanks for the info, thats why I came here to ask.

I will wait to see what they figure out and then have then change plugs before I buy. Thanks again.

 

[thebrakeman]

Could be a coil or a plug. When I got this (also threw CEL), I swapped coils and issue remained in the offending cylinder. Changed that plug and issue resolved. All plugs had been changed 20,000 miles prior, so must have been a bad plug.

A good dealer will be able to resolve this issue.

PS - Do not buy this truck unless all 8 plugs have already been changed. Manual calls for 100,000 miles, but the dealer knows full-well about the carbon build-up. If you bring it in at 100k, they will charge you $300 whether they break any plugs or not.

Have them diagnose the issue. If it's a bad coil, have them fix that. Then, if plugs haven't already been changed, have them do that on their dime, as a contingency of sale. If they won't correct the misfire issue, walk away. If they won't change the plugs at their cost, offer to pay for the plugs ($20 each is fair), and they take care of the labor.

 

[bjohnson4406]

After looking at it in their shop today it was discovered that when the detail person steam cleaned the engine bay the plugs got wet which was causing miss-fire. all 8 plugs were replaced with new ones. they drove it around for about 30 minutes to ensure the problem didn't come up again. No CEL or hesitation issues. going to go test drive and maybe buy tomorrow.

 

[mez4406]

When you go run it for a long time dont just run around the block start it when you get there and leave it run so its good and hot. Then run it down the road get on it a couple of times make sure the throttle works ok. It could have a bad throttle body also would cause this issue. Though not real common on explorers. If you can find a long hill run up it at 55 light throttle hold it steady if it has a weak coil or plug thats when it will misfire the most. If it passes that hot then they probably fixed it.

 

[Boomyal]

After looking at it in their shop today it was discovered that when the detail person steam cleaned the engine bay the plugs got wet which was causing miss-fire. all 8 plugs were replaced with new ones. they drove it around for about 30 minutes to ensure the problem didn't come up again. No CEL or hesitation issues. going to go test drive and maybe buy tomorrow.

I'd buy that explanation. Shortly after getting mine, I 'gunked' the engine compartment, using an air nozzle to keep water from puddling around the plug seals. I let it sit and dry out overnight before trying to start it. It indeed did misfire until things heated up and dried out (several miles). After that, no issues and the engine looked as clean as the day it was new

What are they asking for it?.

 

[thebrakeman]

When you go run it for a long time dont just run around the block start it when you get there and leave it run so its good and hot. Then run it down the road get on it a couple of times make sure the throttle works ok. It could have a bad throttle body also would cause this issue. Though not real common on explorers. If you can find a long hill run up it at 55 light throttle hold it steady if it has a weak coil or plug thats when it will misfire the most. If it passes that hot then they probably fixed it.

Good advice. We passed on a Mountaineer that had this issue, and the dealer would not acknowledge. And that's when it hesitated. Enough speed to get into 5th or 6th gear. The light throttle at low rpm...not enough to induce a downshift. If it's going to misfire, that's where you'll get it. When our current Mountaineer got that bad plug, same thing. Low rpm, moderate throttle without downshifting.

Good luck. Glad they replace all the plugs!

 

[bjohnson4406]

I'd buy that explanation. Shortly after getting mine, I 'gunked' the engine compartment, using an air nozzle to keep water from puddling around the plug seals. I let it sit and dry out overnight before trying to start it. It indeed did misfire until things heated up and dried out (several miles). After that, no issues and the engine looked as clean as the day it was new

What are they asking for it?.

Drove the Explorer today, drove for a good 25 minutes, typical interstate, stop and go, up some hills, drove like a dream.


Going to buy tomorrow, they are asking $12 for it, which I'm sure to some people would feel its high, but I feel good paying that amount as most used cars in my area are higher then a lot of area's, and few other explorers within 75 miles that are this clean and around the same price have 110k miles or more and still asking over 14 easy, plus they are giving me good money for my trade.

This thing is so damn clean i would eat off of every inch of it. 1 owner, no accidents, oil changed every 3 months by previous owner with full paper records of all work done from Ford dealer, the ride is like a whole different world compared to my sport trac.

Thank you everyone for your knowledgeable input and help. Will get some pics up later this week.

 

[buckz6319]

Drove the Explorer today, drove for a good 25 minutes, typical interstate, stop and go, up some hills, drove like a dream.


Going to buy tomorrow, they are asking $12 for it, which I'm sure to some people would feel its high, but I feel good paying that amount as most used cars in my area are higher then a lot of area's, and few other explorers within 75 miles that are this clean and around the same price have 110k miles or more and still asking over 14 easy, plus they are giving me good money for my trade.

This thing is so damn clean i would eat off of every inch of it. 1 owner, no accidents, oil changed every 3 months by previous owner with full paper records of all work done from Ford dealer, the ride is like a whole different world compared to my sport trac.

Thank you everyone for your knowledgeable input and help. Will get some pics up later this week.

Good for you. I feel like your getting one heck of a Explorer. I hope it serves you well...

 

[Scorpion8]

Going to buy tomorrow, they are asking $12 for it, which I'm sure to some people would feel its high, but I feel good paying that amount as ....

What's fair for a car is what the value of the vehicle is to you. I paid under that for my 2006 XLT, but it wasn't loaded like a Limited. That price is well within reason, especially since you have the dealer behind you for awhile. Enjoy that and post up some pics asap!

 

[Explorer_PL]

Yep, go for it. Sounds like a nice ride.

 

[tripplec]

I've read this with interest and this has a V8. My opinion is a V6 is too small for this size of vehicle and labour a lot more reducing millage further. I've been looking for a reliable year/platform & 2006 seem to be a good year for these.

 

[bjohnson4406]

couple of quick pictures...

 

[Boomyal]

Lookin' sharp, BJ. Nice addition to your driveway. Hope it serves you well. My 2006 LTD looks good but not quite as sweet as yours. It is hard to believe that these rigs are now 8 years old, but IMHO, they were state of the art body on frame vehicles.

 

[thebrakeman]

Whenever I'm under my Mounty, I'm always surprised how good things look, especially considering all of the salt from 9 Michigan winters.

 

[Butch-Explorer]

I have always been a ford guy, and about a year ago I brought the twin to your vehicle. All I can say is I really enjoy these vehicles and pretty sure you will too.