1999 Ford Expedition: check engine light

Filed Aug 27, 2006 · Engine · 88,000 miles · VA

1999 ford expedition, 88k miles, spark plug ejected from passenger side of engine. This occurred in heavy traffic while in left lane of smoketown road in prince william county, virginia. The vehicle stalled after I let off the gas pedal right after a loud bang and popping sound was heard in engine. I was able to restart vehicle, but had to keep the RPM's up to keep from stalling. After cutting off several cars in center and right lane, the vehicle was pulled into a parking lot on right side of road. I detected a strong smell of gasoline present when hood was raised. Not once did the "check engine" light come on; unlike all the other times it came on when nothing was wrong with the truck. The vehicle was towed to a ford dealer and a $3400 head replacement performed because head was ruined by stripped spark plug ejecting. Upon checking internet, I found that this is an ongoing increasing problem. It appears that an inquiry done by your agency concluded in january of 2006 that this is a rarely occurring incident of little to no danger. I beg to differ. A simple google query will show thousands if not tens of thousands of complaints regarding ford triton engine spark plug problems posted on various message boards. It is a matter of time before someone gets hurt or killed either directly or indirectly from this obvious problem. I'm just glad I was alone driving and not my wife and children. My wife would have remained in the stalled vehicle while sitting in the passing lane. Considering the enormous number of potentially affected vehicle this issue involves, I will also be bringing this matter to the attention of every elected official I can send an email to.

Filed Aug 8, 2006 · Engine · 140,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where they determined the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. Although repair was made, the check engine light illuminated a second time. The vehicle was taken to the dealership this time where they determined the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced therefore causing a need to replace the engine.

Filed Jul 17, 2005 · Electrical · 103,999 miles · TX

My 1999 ford expedition has had to have the ignition coil packs replaced at least 4 times. The symptoms are misfire and a resulting severe engine vibration upon acceleration. Once the vehicle reaches a cruising speed, the problem appears to go away, but only until you accelerate again. Ford motor company knows there is is design flaw in these vehicles which causes water dripping from some source (the air conditioner or a windshield that is not sealed) to short out the ignition coil packs. They have a technical service bulletin out on the problem, but the problem is not always reported as a check engine light and they fail to diagnose this properly in some cases. The first 2 times this happened, I took the car to two different ford dealerships. Both trips cost me close to $400 each time. The third time it happened, we went to our local garage and the guy said this was a common problem, well known to auto mechanics, but that the individual failing cylinder could not be readily diagnosed by the computer codes, so it was an expensive repair because they might have to try all 8 coil packs to locate and identify the offender. The last coil pack that failed was replaced by my husband at a cost of $45.00 as the failing unit was easily accessible. You can see the great difference in cost of doing it yourself vs. Both of my trips to the dealership. My truck is failing again now and of course, it is exhibiting the same symptoms of a coil pack failure. This time, however, the coil pack in question is not easily accessible for the home mechanic and we will be forced to take it in for repair.

Filed Nov 8, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 92,000 miles · MD

Frankly, I need your advice on a matter of great concern I bought a 1999 ford expedition from waldorf ford in oct 2002. Recently I had a break down; I had three spark plugs blow-out, yesterday I was told that three cylinders are gone due from the damage of the spark plugs. The assistant team mgr said it would cost $6000.00 to get a new engine or get a new vehicle; I couldn't believe my ears. These trucks are lemons and I believe its time that ford take responsibility for their actions and recalls these engine. I guess they are waiting for someone to get killed. My truck lost power in the middle of rush hour and I was nearly rear ended. Other noted problems: the emergency brake cable stays on, the engine light stays on while driving and the brakes pads and shoes are worn out at a higher rate. *jb *bf

Filed Jan 22, 2004 · Engine · 72,000 miles · FL

Consumer complained about a consistent problem with the engine check light in 1999, ford, expedition. Every time engine light was on vehicle hesitated/shook. Dealer replaced engine sensor, but problem still occurring.

Filed Jun 5, 2003 · Engine · TX

The engine light illuminated on the dashboard, and remained on throughout the entire drive.

Filed Dec 31, 2002 · Transmission · CO

We purchased this vehicle from a private owner we knew very well and all regular maintance had been performed according to ford recomendations. In 2001 with only 30,000 miles the transmission had to have o-rings replaced in transmission because of problems with the automatic shifting. We had the transmission flushed just prior to the following incident as recommended by the ford owners manual. In june 2002 while towing a trailer (weights within limits of vehicle requirements) we experience a complete loss of the transmission. Engine would rev while in gear but acted like in neutral. Transmission fluid was spewing out from under the vehicle and smoking. We pulled safely to the side of the rode but had to be towed to the next available town. This transmission was equipped with an auxillary transmission cooler. There is only 58,000 miles on the vehicle, less than 30,000 since the last problem. We were informed by the service tech that the transmission would neither drive forward or in reverse and had to be replaced. The transmission was replaced with a ford rebuilt transmission. With in approx. 1-2 months after replacement the service engine light came on and the service tech informed us that it was a transmission code. After resetting the light and waiting for an appointment with the "transmission person" at the dealership the light did not come back on an the service tech advised to 'wait and see'. In dec. 2002 while driving in the mountains with 4 adults and 3 children in the car not pulling a trailer, the service engine light came on and the transmission was shifting "hard" and at inappropriate times with varyiing rpms and speeds. After waiting the weekend for the appointment time, the service tech informed us that the solinoid pack in the transmission needed replaced. At this point there is only 8,000miles on the 2nd transmission. The solinoid pack was replaced and currently the vehicle has not had anymore problems.