Questions and Answers

Ford Explorer XLT Loses Power Q. 1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4 door that I bought two years ago. I've been driving on the beach to go fishing during the summer. Recently, I've experienced a "bog" condition (for lack of a better term) as soon as I enter the beach. It's actually a trail that is controlled by DEM here in Rhode Island.

Like I said, I've been on this beach trail quite a few times with the same tires, etc. No changes at all. Now I can barely creep in forward 4-high or 4-low. I can't go far before I decide that I might get stuck. When I back out, it picks up speed and seems to have no problem. As soon as I go forward, it bogs. It doesn't appear that the tires are spinning, at least I don't see anything or feel anything. Plus the tach doesn't climb. I do have to slowly give some gas just to creep forward.

The dealer won't go to the beach with me (for insurance reasons, he says) and he cannot duplicate it at the shop. It works fine in every other condition I can think of except the beach. Just a reminder, nothing has changed and I had been riding the same area since I got it. Can you help?

Thanks,
Mike

A. This is a tough one Mike, I don't know how much help I can offer. Since the wheels don't spin and the tachometer doesn't climb, I think it's safe to assume the four wheel drive system is okay.

I would almost have to say the problem is in the fuel system. I would hazard to guess the fuel filter is partially clogged. On the open road where there is significantly less load on the engine it's fine, but with the extra load of the 4WD and the sand, it's not letting enough fuel pass to give you the extra power you need.

So at this point I would suggest replacing the fuel filter and see what that does and go from there.

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