Hi,

I'm new here but I needed a place that has people experienced with explorers and could perhaps help out. I've spent a bit searching for this issue, but couldn't find it. I'm sorry if it's been reviewed, and if it has please kindly point me to the link.

To begin, I just bought an '04 Explorer Eddie Bauer. I'm excited (as this is my second explorer) to have it, but have run in to a couple issues. The dealer I used has given me a 3-day 300 mile warranty, but the vehicle itself was pretty much sold as-is (to an extent). Anyways, here's the problem: Tonight, while driving home, I experienced what I initially thought of as the whole instrument cluster yelling at me, but then (after a second time) realised it was a stall. Both times, I did the same things (the second time to try to reproduce doing what i recall doing when it happened the first time [simple problem-solving, right?]) I performed the following in this order:

1. Started the car and proceeded to drive.
2. started cruise control (only variance was the first time i did 38mph, second time 30 (because first time it stalled and I lost power-assisted steering and brake--scared the **** out of me at 38mph with a turn ahead, and I wasn't going through that again))
3. Pressed the [Dual] button in the temperature control console (set the temperature to 66 degrees on both sides) As usual, it paused and began to regulate the temperature.

Within a few minutes it stalls and I hit the flashers, fend for my life and aim for a nice shoulder on the road. To lead up to this issue, I have had a couple things. I don't know if they are or are not related, but it figure it's worth mentioning in case it does play a part. Note I did drive for a good portion of the day prior to this, and had no problem (except for item b below). [Drove about 100-150 miles in all]

a) When I bought it, the driver-side blinker was intermittently broken (interior flashed quicker as indicator). We told them, and they assured us the mechanics would work on it at earliest possible date.
b) Earlier in the day the low tire pressure warning went on. I pressed the [Setup] button just to the right of the steering column and hit [Reset] to do a system check which cleared it).
c) I filled the tank (from quarter tank) and it didn't stall the rest of the way home. I drove at 30mph with speed control, same setup. My dad mentioned it may be the fuel pump or bad fuel gauge, so i humored him and filled it (which seems to have solved it, but I haven't given it enough opportunity to act up again either)
d) 88,400 miles, Carfax shows regular maintenance (but two transmission fluid flushes 10 months apart before 56k miles kind of worried me) 1 previous owner, car was a trade-in at a ford dealership (which tells me they liked ford enough to stay with them, or company car and they didn't have any say in the matter)

Now, I know about the "multifunction switch" for the light (found that in another post) but thought to mention it because it seems the blinker fails more often when the brake is applied. I'm thinking electrical? I DID NOT replace the bulb or even take it apart, as I would like them to look at it and not be accused to causing the trouble. It may be as simple as a lose bulb, it may not be. I can't tell, but again--mentioning it for the sake of mentioning it.

the point
What I'm looking for is why would this car stall twice? As I mentioned, i have a 3day/300mile warranty, and going to bring it in Monday (day number 2). Is there something I should be telling them to look for? Any answer is appreciated. I'm sorry for the long-winded post, and if I broke any rules/courtesies, but I'd like to keep the car and just get it fixed.

Thank you

 

So, because I like it when I find answers, I'll share what I found out with all of you:

If you've ever had this issue, it's due to the Cruise-Control element. I guess, at 35 mph, the engine stalls due to a problem in the PCM (Power Train Control Module). A flash of this module with new software solves the issue (or so the mechanic is telling me). We'll see in due time, but works for now.

Still appreciate the forums as a resource, and keep up the great work.

 

Thanks for the update bchristie....

 

I too have an '04 Eddie Bauer that was exhibiting the same problem. Ford replaced the throttle body assembly and SOLVED the problem. Flashing the CPM did not fix myproblem. I had to involve the Eastern Regional Manger to get the dealer to fix the problem. It seems itis a Ford factory known issue with certainFord vehicles but no TSB has been issued. Here is how to tell if it might bethe throttle body issue: accelerate to about38 MPH and engage cruise control, begin coasting downhill, watch the tachometer, if the tachometer drops below 500 RPMs you may need the throttle body replaced. My RPMs were dropping below300 then engine would sometimes die. The key issue seems to be the engine RPMs dropping while in 4th gearbelow 600 while coasting downhill. The problem did not occur inover-drive, only in 4th gear. Since the throttle body replacement engine RPMs never drops below 700.

My repair was made under extended warranty at 78K miles in March, 2008. Ford should fix without warranty as a major safety issue. By shifting into neutral you can immediately restart the engine after the stalling.

 

Hello!

I have a 2004 Mountaineer Premium with the same problem. The first time it happened (44k), the Ford garage changed by battery. The second time it happened (49k), my wife was trying to set the cruise at a low speed. It sounds to me like you have found the solution to this problem. I really appreciate your previous posts and I hope it helps others as well!!!