Hi, I have a 2000 Explorer XLT. It has 135,000 miles on it, the larger V-8, all the accessories and I keep up on the maintenance. Dur9ing the last month I've been making a round trip a week from Reno to Sacramento along Interstate 80. Going to Sac has been no problem. It's when I make the return trip that I have problems. Usually, after 75 miles or so, at an altitude of a mile or so, the engine starts to intermitently lose power and has died on occasion. This happens every time on the return trip. I'm using good fuel, change the air filter regularly and do the speed limit all the time. If the trip to Sac doesn't cause any problems, why does it only happen on the return trip? Has anyone experienced this type of problem? I've already considered all the Twilight Zone, Outer Limits and other weird kinda explanations for this. Any constructive thoughts or answers would be appreciated. Thank you

 

sounds like the mass air flow sensor. this reade off of the altitude and air intake as you go down in altitude the air gets thicker not causing any running issues although going back you go up in altitude causing air to get thinner and the sensor can not keep up. I would rec a MAF sensor.