My 2002 Ford Taurus runs ok, but sometimes it idles a bit rough, and it pings a little now and then. I noticed that if I mash on the gas in idle, the engine sputters and it feels like power is dropping off. Also, if I slowly press the accellerator, I can get the engine up to about 3800 RPM and it starts the sputter again. I cannot get the RPM's to 4000, not that I want to go there for any particular reason other than to say that this does not seem to be as it should.

Its not revving to 4,000 while driving or while in neutral. You could have a bad IMRC (Intake Manifold Runner Control).

Lets check some simple stuff first. Change the fuel filter and take a fuel pressure test, see what you have for pressure. Then check the IAC, MAP, and IMRC like byyondloaded said.

On my '98 there is a rev limiter at 4000 RPM. That's probably why u can't get past 4000 RPM.

My mom has a 02 taurus to. I noticed it when I was at a light. The car almost stalled. I know a couple of ford machanics. They said it was the fuel injectors. They replaced 3 of them under the warranty. The car runs great now.

I have a 2000, my car it happens when driving around 40mph when i try to speed up the rpms drop from 2000 down to 1300 and the car wont go, ake my foot off the gas and press it again then it goes. any ideas