What is causing slight hesitation when foot is to the floor?

[epv02]

Hey guys,

My 2003 explorer is experiencing a slight hesitation when your foot is to the floor. The problem usually happens most when you're going up a hill and happens throughout the rpm band. Its not the transmission slipping...more like its starving for fuel. Engine feels like its skipping for a split second every 1-2 seconds. The dealer wants to change the air/fuel filters and do a injection clean for starters. Any ideas of what this can be? They don't seem to know yet, so I would love to have an idea before they start charging me for stuff that I might not need done.

thanks!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I don't know the exact year they started to use the throttle by wire set up, but you should check to see if you have this. There is no throttle cable just an electric actuator. The dealer should be able to flash the PCM to fix this time delay. There is a small lack of response from what I've read which is factory programmed so that it prevents you from driving it hard. I guess Ford doesn't want to have to do free warranty work so they did this. Maybe there is a TSB on flashing the PCM?

 

[Critter92X]

I think the "drive by wire" didn't start until the 04' models.

Maybe you have a plug wire(or two) crapping out on you under a pull.

 

[motorhead19]

I have the same problem, 03 XLT, 4.0L, 50K. I notice it when I'm on the highway and trying change lanes, floor it, and sip my coffee at the same time. I figured it was just a Ford thing.