Ford Repair: 2000 Explorer 5.0 miss under load, powertrain control module, fire plugs


Question
QUESTION: Hi Brian.  Replaced plugs and wires in the last year.  140K miles.  Only in overdrive and under load I have an engine miss.  If I kick down off of overdrive the miss goes away.  Possibly a coil going bad?  If so, how difficult to replace?  Many thanks -

ANSWER: replacing the coil is not brain surgery. if you purchase a new coil which is fairly easy to access. just take the old wires off and install them back on the new coil as you remove the old ones. curious though what kind of spark plugs you used for replacement, this engine is very particular  to only motorcraft plugs and will not run well and cause the same problem should you use champion or " split fire plugs "

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QUESTION: Ran a diagnostic and no codes came up.  Wondering if it is something in the transmission - Like the torque converter.  The hesitation is not drastic - But definitely noticeable.  Do you recommend a trans. fluid change?  I last did it at 100,000 miles.

ANSWER: easiest way to tell if it is a converter concern, warm engine up for about 20-30 minutes. drive vehicle to 45 mph or so under the overdrive has engaged. slowly tip into the throttle, if it shudders or feels like your driving over a train track then, the problem is in the converter. a Trans flush with an additive ( most ford dealers or your average jiffy lube ) offer this. it will temporarily relieve this concern. also. for your particular year. there is an update to your powertrain control module for this concern which is done by your local ford dealer but, flush the Trans first. try this and let me know

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QUESTION: Thank you, Brian.  When I take the truck into the dealer for the trans fluid change (I checked and they currently have a special!), do I ask for the pcm update at the same time?  Also, what additive do I ask for?  Many thanks -

Bill

Answer
dependant on where you live, here in n.h. we use a chemical from what is called B.G. products. a lot of ford dealers use this. if not, they can a a bottle of ford friction modifier to the transmission. the stuff stinks to high heaven but is very effective. tell them you heard there is a technical service bulletin for a possible power train control module update to help alleviate this concern. please keep me posted and feel free to ask if i can help you in the future.
Brian