[gruffybear]

I've researched several threads with similar problems but none with conclusions. 98' Duratec, 92,000 has absolutely no pick up when starting off from a dead stop. Had 100k major tuneup (new plugs, wires, tb and inj. cleaned) done at 88,000 with rebuilt trans. as part of recall. Ever since, no power. This is very apparent during hot weather, AC on, stop and go traffic. Moderately accelerate from stop and there is this hesitation followed by a surging as car trys to gain speed and then at about 40 mph car will take off with plenty of power. If you accelerate hard there is no hesitation. No other problems with this car. This vehicle is well maintained (oil, filters, inj. cleaner, etc). No codes. Pulled front three plugs out and rechecked gap and all within specs. However, the first plug did have an oily substance around the top of the threads. Plugs were sooted black but not fouled. I'm at a complete loss. Have visually inspected everything under hood (vac. hoses, wires, etc.) and can't find anything wrong. Dealership here is not the best. Any ideas? Can't imagine going much longer like this.

 

[mwt]

Pull the battery cable and let is set for a couple of minutes. restart and let idel for a few minuts and see if there is any difference.

 

[gruffybear]

Thnx, will do as soon as the rain stops falling and will let ya know

 

[deniz]

Soot on plugs = running rich

at 92K miles I would replace the two o2 sensors in front of the cats. Also check and clean the maf, check the tps. Any of these may cause said problem and may not set a code.

 

[99V8SHO]

Originally posted by gruffybear@Apr 30 2004, 08:17 PM
...Moderately accelerate from stop and there is this hesitation followed by a surging as car trys to gain speed...

This sounds like a fouled up cam position sensor.

 

[gruffybear]

Update time, disconnected batt. cables to reset PCM and replaced cam pos. sensor today. Still doing the same. I've been paying very close attention to when the car is "lagging/bogging down" and it seems to be when engine is hot (and hot outside) and in stop and go traffic. It happens just after it shifts from 1st to 2nd (AC on). There is a very noticeable "surging" as it trys to accelerate. Reminds me of being on a roller coaster when you start up that first hill when the chain is pulling the cars up the track.... Runs fine on interstate at high speeds and idles fine with no missing in engine. Taking to dealership next week and hope it doesn't cost a fortune

 

[impatient95]

While you are at it, do a compression test of each cylinder.
some leaks in engine show up at low speeds but not at high speeds.

ALSO - with gas prices, you are not using some crappy "cheap" gas are you?

Tauruses don't do well with crappy gas. Just cause "Budget Gas" has theirs 10 cents cheaper, DON'T think you are getting a bargain...

One time I made the mistake of running this towns "cheap gas" and the taurus was PISSED!

 

[gruffybear]

I hear ya about gas prices, but no, no crappy gas in my ole' girl. She's well taken care of with the best petro and fluids. Will ask the dealership about compression check. Thanks!