Loss of Power

[harrietg]

Have a new, 10,812 miles, Explorer Sport Trac. While trying to merge onto a freeway couldn't get over 2000 RPM. Had the vehicle towed to Ford Shop. It also completely shut down several times while trying to get off the freeway. The following Monday, mechanics said vehicle works fine, couldn't find a problem, nothing wrong. Got into the vehicle and, in drive, it worked, in neutral couldn't get over 2000 rpm. Mechanic said it was the way the "governor" worked. Needless to say, my vehicle is still in maintenance. Any ideas??

 

[dogfriend]

I'm not sure what the problem is, but I know that the mechanic is full of it. My 97 will rev above 2000rpm in P or N. In fact, every two years this gets tested and documented because they run the engine at 2500rpm during the smog test and take a tailpipe reading. If your Sport Trac is 4wd and you live within a smog check 2 area, they will have to do this with your truck too. They can't test the Auto 4wd on a dyno, so they do the tailpipe test with the truck in P @ idle and @ 2500rpm.

Did you get a check engine light at any time when this occurred?

 

[harrietg]

We never thought about the smog check requiring idling, good point. No indicator lights, no warning, just loss of power. Did receive a call from Ford today, they tell us they have a fix, but it will take at least 2 weeks, they say it is the computer and they have to completely reprogram the truck. I have been reading complaints on the NHTSA site, apparently, this has been tried before without good results.

 

[Pheonixx77]

have the dealer just replace the computer, if they screw it up you'll be having problems forever, accept nothing less than a new computer!
"thats why you got a warranty"

 

[harrietg]

Thanks. Will insist on a new computer.