Ten problems related to fuel injection have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
The water pump was replaced on vehicle on 09 Aug, 2003, necessitating removal and re-installation of the air intake hose connected to the throttle body. On the morning of 09 Feb, 2006 the accelerator was briefly depressed to the floor while navigating in freeway traffic. The accelerator remained in this position after having removed the driver's foot from the accelerator. Full pressure was being applied to the brakes with no apparent slowing of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered towards an open construction area adjacent to the freeway, and shifted into 'park' while still moving at about 50 mph. The vehicle stopped safely, and without collision. The vehicle remained drivable after this incident. Upon investigation, it appears that the body of the hose clamp that secures the air intake hose to the throttle body was interfering with the throttle mechanism such that when the accelerator was fully depressed, a plastic tab on the throttle mechanism would rub against the body of the hose clamp with enough force to hold the throttle in the fully open position. As previously mentioned, this hose had been removed and re-installed, possibly causing the hose and attached hose clamp to be rotated several degrees from their original (factory) position. It should be noted that there are no features on the hose or throttle body to ensure proper orientation upon re-installation. To correct the problem, the air intake hose was re-positioned , and the offending corner of the plastic tab on the throttle linkage was filed off. (digital photos and video of the failure condition are available).
Vehicle stalled when making a 90 degree left turn. Consumer stepped slightly on gas and it hesitated. Consumer has to press down giving vehicle gas to by pass hesitation. Dealer really had no remedy. But once before replaced fuel injection.
Vehicle began stalling earlier this year. Thought it was just seasonal. Took it for service in April. Fuel induction system cleaning performed. Problem persists and now vehicle cuts off completely after stalling. Also stalls during quick accelerations. Am afraid that injury or fatality will occur before dealership locates difficulty. Have heard of other Ford vehicles stalling. Is this related? any help is greatly apprecieted and needed!.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Check engine light lit on 10/29/99 took to university Ford, durham 10/30/99 - replaced air flow sensor $320. 22. On 11/4/99 check engine light came on again - took back to university Ford - stated that it was the fuel injector intake gaskets & o-rings $179. 23. Very disappointed in the service of this vehicle no older that it is. What is going to happen next. There was a lady in the lobby who also had a 1998 Ford taurus that the check engine light had came on. I think this is something that Ford should look into - could this possibly be a recall problem - if so I have copies of all bills which I can submit as proof work was done. I can't understand why Ford is having so many problems - this is the 3rd Ford that I've owned & they way things are looking will be my last. What happened to "quality is job one" not with this vehicle - I can't believe that Ford would put out a product that could give all of these problems so soon with no more miles on this vehicle. I'm a very, very disappointed customer. If Ford can't do any better that this - they need to close their doors. It's very hard to make monthly payments when I'm having to spend out $500. 00 on something that should not be giving problems this soon. I've had vehicles with close to 100,000 miles & have never had to replace these things & they were Ford products. I think someone should check into this - this may possibly be a re-call problem that had not been addressed as of yet. Please feel free to contact me - I'll be happy to discuss any part of this with you or a Ford representative - at this point in time, I can't recommend any Ford product to anyone & if anyone ask me about a Ford I will have to state the true - unless Ford is willing to fully rectify this situation.
Although this vehicle has not been in an accident yet, I am afraid that it will sooner or later due to this problem. Since I have purchased this vehicle, it has stumbed/hesitated (for 1 -2 seconds) when taking off from a dead stop. So far, this problem has only occurred when making a left turn, from a dead stop, in front of oncoming traffic. If it was only a split second thing, it would not be so bad, but it takes a couple of seconds before I have power again. Since it is an intermittent thing that only occurs once every 3-4 months, the dealer was unable to find any problem when it was brought in.
While driving the vehicle will not move and the engine is working which almost caused an accident. Had to pull over and problem still occurring. Dealer cannot determine problem.
Car keep stopping and dying, the plenums (fuel injector) that melted and had to be replaced.
After the vehicle had been parked for about two hours it caught on fire. Fire department was called, and they said fire was due to a fuel leak.