1998 Ford Explorer: engine stalls while driving

Filed Feb 6, 2012 · Electrical, Visibility · 130,000 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-70 MPH, the vehicle would loose power but the engine would continue to run. The vehicle would eventually stall but was able to be restarted after several minutes. In addition, the wiper blades would also fail and would not operate as they should when inclement weather arose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that the wiring in the entire vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Dec 9, 2007 · Fuel system · 102,250 miles · TX

While accelerating the vehicle hesitates as if it is going to stall. I've taken it and had it checked out. The only thing that has ever been found is faulty o2 sensors.

Filed Aug 26, 2007 · Fuel system · NY

Vehicle hesitating and stalling. All six fuel injectors melted and had to be replaced. After the replacement of fuel injectors, strong gas smell, and the vehicles still currently stalls or idles to high.

Filed Aug 17, 2006 · Engine · 75,000 miles · PA

Dt*: the contact stated while pulling out from a stop sign, traveling 5 MPH, the vehicle's check gauges light illuminated on the dashboard. As the vehicle accelerated, there was a noise heard coming from the engine that sounded like something flying around inside the engine. The vehicle stalled and wouldn't restart. The vehicle was towed to a local ford authorized mechanic who determined the pins used in the timing chain on these vehicles are plastic and had fractured, penetrating the engine and ending up in the oil causing the vehicle to stall. The dealership has been informed.

Filed Apr 27, 2006 · Engine · 99,000 miles · OR

Intermittent stalling when coming to a stop.

Filed Mar 28, 2006 · Engine · 122,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated without warning the engine stalled and the steering and brakes locked up. This occurred at 55 MPH, the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A family member inspected the vehicle and determined the crankshaft busted, causing engine failure. The engine would need to be replaced at a cost higher than the value of the vehicle. The contact tried to replace it with a used engine, but was told by several mechanics that ford manufactured a bad engine with the 4.0 sohc, and to put a used engine would be a waist of money since it would fail again.

Filed Feb 22, 2005 · 38,995 miles · FL

While the truck was being inspected for engine stalling, the dealer informed the consumer that both upper and lower ball joints was loose and needed to be replaced.

Filed Jul 8, 2004 · Acceleration · 94,975 miles · CA

Spot welds holding accelerator pedal to firewall broke, leaving foot pedal attached only by accelerator cable. Breakage occurred while driving 1998 ford explorer on interstate highway. When driver moved to brake for stalled traffic, accelerator pedal lodged under brake pedal. Driver avoided multi car collision by shifting to neutral and kicking accelerator pedal out of way. Fuller ford dealership re-welded accelerator pedal to firewall for $152. Worker noted that windstars are far more prone to this condition, and that this is the second explorer that has been seen for this condition.

Filed Mar 19, 2004 · Engine · MS

While idling or driving vehicle vibrated continuously until vehicle was turned off. Consumer applied the brakes and vehicle stalled. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic was unable to duplicate or resolve the problem.

Filed Oct 14, 2003 · Engine · NY

Vehicle frequently stalls and starves for fuel. Consumer has had this problem for the past two years. Dealer has inspected vehicle several times and found nothing wrong .

Filed Sep 20, 2003 · 76,000 miles · AZ

Issue: ford explorer has fuel cut off switch directly below the glove box against the passenger side pillar (directly above the carpet on passenger size) approximately 1 foot above floorboard. Passenger may be able to knock the connector or switch loose, causing fuel shut down and loss of power in the vehicle. Connector is on bottom of switch; cable runs directly below carpet and can be tugged loose with enough force (connector is standard ford locking blade type). Incident occurred on interstate 10 w in los angeles on the interstate 5 north on ramp. Heavy traffic caused wife to straighten legs and kicked the connector loose at 60 MPH. Vehicle lost total engine power and stalled in traffic. Vehicle was towed to dealership once before this incident. Fortunately it was in a parking lot. Dealer mentioned issue was resolved after plugging switch back in. Resolved issue using cable ties, but a more suitable recall should be done to ensure other owners do not encounter the same situation. Recommend a plate or fastener that makes it impossible for plug to come loose when hit with foot or other objects. Also recommend repositioning switch to rear of vehicle, or underneath rear seat on newer models, if it has not already occurred. Discussed this with a friend who recommended I file a complaint, even though it occurred almost a year ago. *jb thank you.

Filed Apr 25, 2003 · Engine · CA

The engine stalled off while driving.