Engine stalls at a stop light?

1998 FORD EXPLORER
200,000 MILES • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JILL CRAMSEY-ASHCRAFT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Car runs at night and early morning, no evident problem (I work graveyard, gets me to work and home). After 10:00 am, or so, when it is hot, it will not go more than a block or two. It starts bogging out, missing, will not idle, shuts off. After five to ten minutes, it will start again, and go If I rev it and ride the brake.
Sep 19, 2018 at 1:23 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
DANNY L
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I am Danny.

Quick question first. Is the Check Engine Light on? A code might be stored for in your cars Computer. Having the code checked is a great way to star diagnosis of your car's problem. If you do not have access to a code reader/scanner your local auto part stores (Autozone, Pep Boys, O'Reilly's) will check for free. If you get back to us with the code number(s) we will be happy to help. I have attached a tutorial showing what is involved with checking codes. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing
Sep 19, 2018 at 3:53 PM
Avatar
JILL CRAMSEY-ASHCRAFT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The check engine light was on, for about eighteen months due to the catalytic converters. I just had them replaced yesterday and the light is still out.
Sep 20, 2018 at 11:49 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
DANNY L
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

So is the car running better or is there still a problem? Let me know. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-
Sep 20, 2018 at 7:36 PM
Avatar
JILL CRAMSEY-ASHCRAFT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The "only runs when it is cool outside" is still happening. Stalled out on me on the way home from replacing the catalytic converters. I do not understand why nobody (I even called a Ford dealership and talked to a "service adviser") can give me a hint what this could be. I keep getting told that they could be sued.
Sep 21, 2018 at 8:11 AM
Avatar
DANNY L
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

Have you tested the fuel pressure? I have attached a tutorial showing what is involved. The pump might be weak and causing your truck to stall out/run erratic. Your local auto parts stores will have a tool loaner program to rent you a fuel pressure tester. It will attach to the Schrader valve and show the results on a gauge. Your vehicle should have 30-45 P.S. I with the key on engine off. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
Sep 21, 2018 at 2:58 PM
Avatar
JILL CRAMSEY-ASHCRAFT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Looking at the related subjects on your page, I am sure I have found my answer, the crankshaft sensor fixed it, thank you.
Sep 21, 2018 at 6:05 PM
Avatar
DANNY L
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

Good to hear, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.


Danny-
Sep 21, 2018 at 10:07 PM
Avatar
TANNA AND BUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
wont idle
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:53 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
First, is the MIL(check engine) light on? And if not, check the IAC(idle air control, it's bolted to the side of the throttlebody.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_Ford_IAC_Wgasket_1.jpg

Oct 9, 2020 at 12:53 PM (Merged)
Avatar
LKISTLER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Ford Explorer 6 cyl

We have to push the gas pedal to the floor to get it to start, and we have to keep foot on the pedal reving it up a bit to keep it running. when you let off the pedal it will die.

Any ideas what's wrong??
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:53 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JDL
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 16,098 POSTS
Can you check for codes? Some of the national brand autostores will check po codes for free.

Usually if the vehicle will run off idle but not idle, meaning throttle closed, I check the idle air system. If there are any codes, it might point you in the right direction.
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:53 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KNUCK01
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
my 1998 ford explorer trys 2 die out when i put it n reverse i have replaced the fuel vapor mangement valve hose , wat should i do now
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:53 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Make sure the fuel pressure is within spec. check for vacuum leaks. Check idle air control valve. This guide will help us find the problem

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please run down this guide and report back.
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:53 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JOSHMCGEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
1998 ford explorer ran great after starting up and putting in reverse during going back when about to stop to put in overdrive the truck motor starts to die and turn off cranks right back up with no more issue only in reverse the first time after it sits overnight are long periods of time just had a tune up and put injection cleaner in. ran all the gas low and refueled but wasnt bad gas
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
I don't know if reverse has anything to do with it. If you put it in drive and move the same amount and shift to reverse will it stall? Has the check engine light come on?
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
BLEEVR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
About a month ago my daughters truck froze because of the cold. It took two days to get it started because she had barely any gas in it! While pulling it into the gas station the car died out. It would not even idle unless I kept my foot on the gas. I sat for an hour and the car finally stayed started long enough to make it home. The next day it just started to die out again. Since then I was told to change the spark plugs. Which I did. It ran good for a day. Now the car will idle fine, but when you put it in gear it just dies out.
(side note)...the car had its check engine light on for the past two years. It has been to ford and another machanic and neither could find the cause of the light being on. Her OD off light pops on also (another thing ford and another machanic could not figure out!) Help!
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
As far as the engine dieing, I need to know if when you put it in gear, does it learch forward then die? Also, have you checked fuel pump pressure? There could have been damage to the pump in the cold temps with such low fuel in the tank.

Here is a how to for checking fuel pressure. NOTE: You will need a fuel pressure gauge. Many parts stores will lend or rent them. Also, if the pressure is low at the fuel rail, check if before the fuel filter. You could also have a plugged fuel filter.

Let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

Joe
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
BLEEVR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes the truck lurches forward then dies...
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
SHAWPK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My 98 Explorer will stall when I try to shift it into drive or reverse? It only does this when it is cooled down (like when it's sitting over night). When we start it - it idles well and always fires right up, but we have wait till it is warmed up before we try moving it, or it wont stay running. We cleaned the intake, MAF, and put a new motorcraft IAC, on it. No change. It drives and shifts very well. No problems with it dieing in motion or at stop lights. Has no codes. The OD light doesn't flash or act different in any way if we turn it on it's on if we shut it off its off. Any thoughts racking our brain here. Thanks
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
DOCFIXIT
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,828 POSTS
Suspect ECT in intake left of throttle body. With OHM meter and engine cold measure across terminals should read 40K ohms or higher then as engine warms resistence should drop
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
SNOOKSLAYER06
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My 1998 Explorer with 155000 miles Stalls when coming to a stop light or stop sign. When the mechanic checked my car the diagnostics gave no codes. Ive had several mechanics look at it and no one can find the problem
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Without codes, it's harder to identify. Make sure there are no vacuum leaks and you may want to check fuel pump pressure.

Let me know what you find.
Joe
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
DIANE1279
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The brake light is illuminated on the dash. The brake light above the rear window flashes when the truck is off. This morning after I got off the highway the engine stalled when I came to a stop. She started right back up. When I stopped at the next light the rpm's fell & she stalled again. Started right back up & stalled when I stopped in a parking spot. Any suggestions as to what to look for would be greatly appreciated!!
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
Look on the brake booster for the vacuum hose, where it plugs into the booster is the check valve, remove it, and try sucking thru both ends, air should pass in only one direction, replace the valve if it fails, let me know what you find.
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
DIANE1279
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The check valve is fine. Air only passes through in one direction.
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
Then the booster itself my have a bad diaphram, shut the truck off, pump the brakes untill all air is out (hard pedal) then while you hold the pedal down, start the truck, does the pedal sink a bit? If yes, the booster is ok, if no we have a booster problem. If you can gat a vacuum pump hook it up to the booster and pump it until you have 18 hg of vac, then wait,a minute, if the gauge holds, booster is good, if it drops, or no vacuum builds, replace the booster.
Oct 9, 2020 at 12:56 PM (Merged)