93' Aerostar Problem

[Thomas Huntington]

I have a 93' Ford Aerostar. It starts up fine, goes into gear. When it is idle i noticed it sounded like it was trying to stall and even did a few times. Now when driving, i cannot accelerate past 20-30mph and it takes forever to get into second gear if it does at all. When I try to give it gas to accelerate past 20-30 it tries to stall out.. What can this be?

[Thomas Huntington]

I'm thinking maybe the canister purge solenoid? It does have a new egr valve and everything.. I was told it could be the purge solenoid.. is that a possible cause?

[Davescort97]

Welcome to the Forum!

It sounds like your vehicle might be in "limp home" mode. This is the mode many cars go into if the car's computer senses a major engine/transmission problem. It will limit the car's speed and RPMs in order to preserve any engine function that may remain, with the intent of "limping" you home.

My first thought is a plugged exhaust, but also there could be a problem with the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor. If you are technically inclined and have a vacuum guage, you could check the amount of vacuum at idle. It should be over 20 inch lbs. If not, and it declines the longer the engine is run it's the exhaust.

You could also be having a starving fuel system while under a load. Bad fuel pump, clogged filter, clogged injectors, low voltage at the fuel pump or a bad pump itself. Get a manual at your local parts store for reference.

Your brakes could be dragging. Jack the car up and turn the wheels to see if they turn freely. It's a long shot, but could be the problem. Is the parking brake off? As obvious as this problem is, it might be wise to take it to a technician and get a diagnosis. Someone versed in repair will be able to detect what is wrong.

It's unlikely it's the canister purge solenoid/valve.

[Knifeblade]

yeah, my first recommend is to always get a manual. Haynes~Ford aerostar mini-vans #36004(1476), can help you out a bit. Especially if you can backyard, or want to, mechanic the ride. I'm having simalar problem, until the engine warms. My first thought is a tune-up, plugs/rotor/cap thing, after that, I plan to get a diagnostic run to see what the comp. says about the sensors.