2005 Ford Taurus Hesitating after Maintenance

2005 FORD TAURUS
101,600 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ARMYWIFE2006
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In the last 1000 miles, on my 2005 Ford Taurus, I've had a Transmission Flush, Oil Change, new Air Filter put in, and new Brakes and Rotors done. It does have 101,600 miles but (as noted above) is very clean and well cared for. I have noticed a hesitation while driving and/or accelerating.....kind of a "cough-cough" type of hesitation. The last 2 fill-ups I've poured Injector Cleaner down the tank but am not getting results. My Gas Mileage is also awful. I live in a city and get 13-15 MPG! That's awful for a 3yo Car!
My Husband's in Iraq and I'm car clueless so is there some way I can ascertain what's going on, without paying the $150 Diagnostic fee I keep being quoted?!

Thanks!
Sep 21, 2008 at 5:59 PM
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RASMATAZ
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This problem can be a nightmare to find its hard to say where its coming from.

Do you have a check engine light or has flashed and disappeared?

Have you ever replaced the fuel filter and airfilter, also the oxygen sensor could need replacement for that mileage. Last minor or major tune-up?

Possible Causes of Engine Hesitation or Stumble:

Dirty fuel injectors (cleaning the injectors often fixes this).
Bad MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor
Bad TPS (throttle position) sensor
Bad or dirty MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Low fuel pressure (leaky fuel pressure regulator or weak fuel pump)
Vacuum leaks (intake manifold, vacuum hoses, throttle body, EGR valve)
Bad gasoline (fuel contaminated with water or too much alcohol)

Sometimes, what feels like a hesitation is actually ignition misfire rather than lean misfire. The causes of ignition misfire may include:

Dirty or worn spark plugs
Bad plug wires
Weak ignition coil
Wet plug wires
Sep 21, 2008 at 6:23 PM