I need help!

[peggy sowards]

I HAVE A 2002 SPORT TRAC. I AM NOT SURE WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE. THE PROBLEM. WITHIN 24 HOURS MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY TRUCK WAS SPUTTERING AND ACTING LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING FUEL. THIS MORNING IT START AND THEN DID THE SAME THING. BOTH MORNONGS AFTER THE ENGINE HAS WARMED UP IT SEEMS TO STOP BUT THEN I REALLY CANT GET THE "GET UP AND GO IT WAS HAVING. I TURNED IT OFF FOR FIVE MINUTES TO MAKE A QUICK STOP AND NOW IT WONT RUN AT ALL. I HAVE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND CHARGED IT SEPERATELY ONCE IT WAS FULLY CHARGED I PUT IT BACK IN AND STILL NOTHING THINKING IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE ALTERNATOR. I AM OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS AND WOULD DEFINITELY APPRECIATE ANY HELP THAT YOU COULD OFFER

 

[Vic Sorlie]

I'll start by asking how many miles on your Trac and when's the last time the fuel filter was changed? You can change it yourself (it's a $20 part at local parts store) but by your post I'm guessing you're not a Do-It-Yourselfer. Fast lube shops do this job frequently; you should be able to get it done for about $50. If your fuel filter's plugged then changing it should correct the Check Engine light. If it doesn't clear then you'll have to get the code(s) read, then go from there.

 

[Gavin Allan]

Hi Peggy:



Disconnecting and charging the battery was a very good step. You in effect reset the computers and eliminated a dead battery from the long list of potential causes.



However, it is going to be very difficult to accurately diagnose your Sport Trac over the internet. Your Trac could be having problems with any number of systems (fuel, electrical, ignition, mechanical, emmission, etc.). If it were mine, i would start with the basics- does it have fuel to the cylinders?, is a spark present? does it have compression?

It would be very helpful to know what codes are stored in the ECM.



Bottom line- you need someone trained in diagnosis procedures to "lay their hands" on your Trac" to properly diagnose what is going on.



Replacing a bunch of parts and/or performing service procedures based on guesses is usually very expensive and not productive. It is better to have a trained tech diagnose the problem and do the work needed, rather than throwing a bunch of parts at the problem, hoping that the problem might be fixed.



A good independent shop and or a dealer can arrange to transport your trac to their facility to fix it.



This is about the best advice I can give you.



Good luck.

 

[Bob Markey 2]

I had a similar problem. I replaced the fuel filter and plug. No good. The shop suggested I replace the plug wires. I had them do it and the problem went away, then returned. The computer said one bank was misfiring, so I pulled the (new) spark plug and found that it was cracked. I replaced that plug and the problem went away, but the check engine light returned a few days later. I ignored it and eventually, the problem disappeared.



The whole process still has me confused.

 

[Jeremy Duncan]

Had similar symptoms on 03. Mine was EGR sensor. $25 at Oreily. Took 2 minutes to replace. Shop wanted $200

 

[ron h]

My 07 sport trac is sputtering. Occurs between 40 to 60 mph

 

[Vic Sorlie]

ron h, how many miles on your '07? Is the check engine light on? Note the rpm when sputtering occurs, then put trans in a lower gear and see if you can get sputtering to repeat at that rpm. Ever had your transmission program checked for updates at the Ford house? I had an '07 Trac that had annoying driveability issue until I did that.

 

[Richard L]

Have the fuel pump pressure checked. Early 2001-2002 Sport Tracs were known to have leaking fuel pumps (leaks fuel into the tank) which lose pressure.



....Rich

 

[Gypsy me]

Check engine light indicates something is up with the emission air flow area, Like egr valve, gas cap "if you have one" may need to be removed and put back on or the gasket of it could need replaced, or another type of emmision control air flow valve or hose on the engine, Usually it's something simple. This is coming from a Ford certified Tech



Now as for your sputtering. Hook up the code reader, or go to Auto Zone or somewhere where they can hook one up for you, get the readings go from there. But, It very well could be the fuel filter needs changed.



Keep in mind that Fuel filters do need changed now and then but you could change it today, and it be plugged up tomarrow. I've only changed it twice in my 04 btw (89 thousand something miles to date) The first time We changed it was when I only had less than 25 thousand miles, the second time was just under 50 thousand.



Have you ever ran fuel treatment in your full tanks of gas? ok I'm out of ideas I have to work Midnight shift tonight. Yucky!





Ps Hello All :grin: