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Ford Escape Engine and Performance Problems

40 messages,  Last post on Dec 29, 2011 at 8:07 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Escape, SUV

Messages Page 3 of 5

#14 of 40 My 2002 Ford Escape EGR valve blew a Hole in it. by streakk58

Mar 14, 2011 (11:27 pm)

About a year ago my Escape started to idle a little rough. It has 84,000 mile on it, V6. I ignored it until recently when it started to run worse (high idle when starting in cold weather, unsteady idle, stalling occasionally, but only happen below 1K RPM). I replaced the intake and plenum gaskets and changed plugs and PCV valve since I had it tore down. I thought that took care of the problem. I run around town for 2 days and thought it was fixed. Then I took it on a 12 hour turnpike trip. After getting started the engine seemed to be sluggish. We kept going. I knew I had a problem. 8 hours into the trip I heard a whooshing noise under the engine. The EGR valve had a hole blown in the side. I put a piece of metal to block off the intake from leaking. It ran fine after that. An hour later I found a new EGR valve and replaced it. It started running sluggish again. We finally reached our destination. I got a can of ether to check for vacuum leaks and found none. On our way back home it ran very sluggish but I was able to struggle and get it into OD and keep it at bout 65 MPH. When I went up a hill it would slip back into Drive and slow down to about 45-50 by the time I got to the top of the hill. 8 hours later on our way home the same thing happen... EGR valve blew a hole in it. I by passed it once again (closed off with piece of metal between intake and EGR valve). Again it ran fine after that for the last 4 hours. The only problem is that it leaks exhaust out of the broken EGR valve. What could be causing this? I have read of others with the same problem but the answers were not clear how they finally got it fixed. I assume the engine was running rich. Could unburned fuel be coming back to the EGR and causing it to heat up? The funny thing is that it runs great with the EGR disabled. I don't know if maybe the Cat is plugged. I put my hand over the tailpipe and it seems to have quite a bit of pressure coming out so I don't think that is my problem either. I did notice a little bit of exhaust coming from just before the Cat (the mesh wire covering 1 foot of the exhaust pipe just before the Cat). The EGR problem started happening after I changed the manifold gaskets. I've also heard maybe the MAF sensor? Any input would be appreciated.

#15 of 40 Re: both cats glowing [bernie17] by wwest

Mar 15, 2011 (9:07 am)

Replying to: bernie17 (May 16, 2009 6:07 am)
Catalyst has failed, "crumbled", and is blocking the exhaust.

#16 of 40 2011 Ford Escape Rough Idle by mistymorning16

Mar 23, 2011 (5:06 pm)

Bought 2011 Ford Escape. Had for 3 weeks. When I'm stopped at stop light, foot on brake, rpms drop to almost 1 on rpm scale and vehicle steering wheel and front seats shake. Once I drive off, it's fine. Took it in to ford and they said I have to live with it, it's normal. It's FWD XLT 4 cylinder. Anyone had these problems or know anything about this? d.

#17 of 40 Re: 2011 Ford Escape Rough Idle [mistymorning16] by bdyment

Mar 24, 2011 (5:08 am)

Replying to: mistymorning16 (Mar 23, 2011 5:06 pm)
I would find a new Ford dealer or at least talk to the service manager. This is not normal and you don't have to live with it.

#18 of 40 Re: 2011 Ford Escape Rough Idle [bdyment] by mistymorning16

Mar 24, 2011 (1:16 pm)

Replying to: bdyment (Mar 24, 2011 5:08 am)
Thanks to bdyment for replying. I did take it to a different ford dealership and they said the same thing. I asked for paperwork to see what they checked and they wouldn't provide it to me. I also talked to the service manager at the dealership I purchased it from and he said "live with it, pretend it isn't happening and just drive it". He didn't even have it checked out. I'm going to call the Sales Manager tomorrow and see if I can get anywhere with him. Will keep you posted.

#19 of 40 Re: 2011 Ford Escape Rough Idle [mistymorning16] by wwest

Mar 24, 2011 (1:37 pm)

Replying to: mistymorning16 (Mar 23, 2011 5:06 pm)
Not knowing the magnitude of the "shake" I'll volunteer this information.
 
4 cylinder engines, I4 engines, are notorious for low speed vibration. Many "upscale" manufacturers use something called a "balance shaft" to help smooth out these vibrations. Obviously the lower the idle speed is the worse these vibrations will be felt within the cabin.
 
Since two separate dealers have said the level you are expereincing is normal I'm afraid what is, is.

#21 of 40 Re: 2011 Ford Escape Rough Idle [mistymorning16] by bdyment

Mar 25, 2011 (6:14 am)

Replying to: mistymorning16 (Mar 23, 2011 5:06 pm)
The idle speed seems way too slow. I have driven a few late model Ford 4 cyl. including an Escape and none of them idle down like you say. Have a service person go for a ride with you. Something isn't right.

#22 of 40 Re: 2011 Ford Escape Rough Idle [bdyment] by wwest

Mar 25, 2011 (8:36 am)

Replying to: bdyment (Mar 25, 2011 6:14 am)
"...idle speed seems way too slow.."
 
Not that I disagree with you, but....
 
2011 Escape....
 
Just how slow is too slow...?
 
We have all adapted over time and experience to an idle speed of ~800RPM.
 
But in truth what if the engine could be kept running, idling, at as little as 100RPM..in favor of improved FE....??
 
The new electronic engine controls might well be able to do that.
 
And what, who's is to suffer...?
 
Engine lubrication/oil pump...no.
 
Engine cooling/water pump...no.
 
Power stearing...(electric..?) .no.
 
A/C....no.
 
Battery charge...no.
 
And coming soon....automatic engine start/stop......or should that be stop/start...??

#23 of 40 Re: 2011 Ford Escape Rough Idle [bdyment] by mistymorning16

Mar 25, 2011 (12:15 pm)

Replying to: bdyment (Mar 25, 2011 6:14 am)
Hi. It's idling at the notch between 0 and 1... so I would say 500 rpms or so, maybe 600 rpms at the most? (hope that makes sense) I will keep pushing on this. I called Ford Customer Support and it was suggested I talk to the General Manager of the dealer now. Will keep you posted. This is stupid that I have to even go through this.

Messages Page 3 of 5

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