Questions and Answers
Aerostar Can't Stand The Heat
Q. Hi, I have a 1994 Ford Aerostar AWD with a 4.0 liter engine and approximately 114,000 miles. Occasionally, the engine on my Aerostar may die. This occurs under the following conditions:
- Warm day (90°-100°+)
- Afternoon
- After driving 300 miles or more
- In most cases, stall occurs when driving uphill (elevation 2000 feet+)
- Gas tank partially full
- Engine light usually comes on
Mechanics have suggested vapor lock.
Last occurrence: 98° out, 1 PM, had driven 340 miles, on level ground (elevation 2,000 feet), partial tank of gas, 87 octane, no engine light warning.
Previous occurrence: 90°+, 4:30 PM, had driven 450+ miles, when going uphill (elevation 3,500 feet), gas tank partially full, mix of 85 and 91 octane, engine light came on. On this occurrence, after getting the car running again, it continued to run well IF I maintained a speed of 67+ MPH. When I slowed to below 67, the engine started to run a little rough but smoothed out when I increased the speed. Engine light would come on and go off.
If I park for five minutes or so, I can usually get the engine running again and drive for at least a short distance. If I add an octane boost product to the tank, I can drive farther.
This problem NEVER occurs in cooler climates.
This problem has ONLY occurred after driving long distances.
There has been NO CHANGE in the MPG.
There is NO BAD SMELL from the engine.
I have not noticed any smoke coming from the exhaust.
There is no sound of air when I open the gas cap.I do not think it is a problem with the TFI module since I have driven 30 miles or more in 115°+ heat and had no problems. I do not think this is a gas-related problem since it has happened whether I have used regular unleaded or high-octane unleaded. It has occurred with both major brand gasoline (Texaco) and el-cheapo.
Fuel pump was replaced about four years (50,000 miles) ago. Problem has occurred on and off all during this four year period including soon after the new pump was installed.
(Did have the pump tested and mechanic could find no problem with it.)
Steve
A. This is an interesting problem. Why am I not surprised it happened on a Ford?
You say the Check Engine Light (MIL) has come on at times when this problem occurs. Has anyone pulled the codes to see what caused the light to come on? The code will still be stored even when the MIL goes off.
when the car dies, it is due to a loss if ignition or fuel? This is key in tracking the problem down. When it dies if you pour a little gas in the engine will it start and run? If it does, it is a fuel problem. If not, then it's electrical.
If you can duplicate this problem every time, you may want to have a technician drive it with you with his scan tool connected. That will pinpoint exactly what is causing the problem. There are just way too many possibilities for this problem.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
