Engine failure

2001 FORD ESCAPE
175,000 MILES • 2.5L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
JOSHUAFENDER755
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
The engine will idle fine, when placed into drive it will drive for about a block and then it will start sounding bad almost like its knocking lightly. Then the rpm will drop to low at a stop and it will shut off. Starts smelling hot but temperatures show normal. Light smoking but I think that is just excess oil. The car was just serviced at the Ford dealership and had a tuneup and oil change. Where should I begin the diagnosis and what types of problems may be causing this issue?
Thanks ahead of time.
Apr 3, 2017 at 8:44 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
Well if it was just serviced and was okay prior to the service I would start by checking the oil and coolant levels and any other work they did.
Do not trust the gauge especially any Ford "oil pressure" gauge, actually test the temperature with an infrared thermometer and the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge.
Apr 3, 2017 at 10:26 PM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
Have you been able to repair your vehicle or found the problem? Please post back as you may help others with your repair. Thank You.

Steve
Apr 7, 2017 at 10:19 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JOSHUAFENDER755
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
No, I have checked all fluid levels and they are fine, its isn't throwing any codes to help me find the problem. At this point my guesses are oil pump, oil pressure sensor, MAF. Any guesses?
Apr 7, 2017 at 10:49 PM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,113 POSTS
Put a mechanical gauge on it and look at the actual oil pressure. That will tell you if it's a bad pump, or sensor. Another thing that you might check. They may have a bad one. How long after it left the shop did these things start? Might be worth it to call them and tell them what's going on.
Apr 8, 2017 at 6:06 AM