Intermittent Acceleration Problems with 2006 Ford Fusion

[jchisholm01]

Hello,

I wanted to discuss a recent issue that I had on my 2006 Ford Fusion SE V6. This happened twice in the last two weeks while driving. I'll try to be detailed as possible as I've not ever experienced this before. 

When I was driving my Fusion, my Fusion suddenly started running very rough and could barely accelerate. I had to really step on the gas and it was revving up but barely driving. This happened while driving in a populated area where I was not driving too fast. I pulled over and let it idle for a bit and after that it was fine. 

The same thing happened again while driving down a residential street. The Fusion was sputtering out and not accelerating. I was stepping on the gas and it was barely going anywhere. I pulled over to where I could let the Fusion idle and it drove fine after that. I even drove this in even much colder, downright frigid weather since then and I have not experienced any problems.

So my question is what exactly is going on with the Fusion all of the sudden not being able to accelerate properly? Is this a common problem with Fusions? Are there any recalls for this?

I hope this makes sense. I'm trying to figure what is going on myself. Any help with this would greatly be appreciated. 

Thank You

[FusionDiffusion]

Did you get any lights flashing or otherwise?

 

First decide if it's the transmission or the engine. If you said it was running rough I'm inclined to think that it would be the engine. With the engine it could either be the ignition system or the throttle body. If you have bad spark plugs or ignition coils that can make the engine run rough, especially under a load like going up a hill. If you have an ignition misfire the check engine light will flash during the event. Do not continue to drive it if the check engine light is flashing, you will damage the engine and catalytic converters ($$$$). If you don't have a record of the spark plugs being changed in the past 100k miles I would change them, and inspect all the ignition coils for melting or cracks.

 

The other thing that can happen is the throttle body can go bad. When this happens, the engine goes into failure mode. The throttle stops moving and stays open a certain amount, and then the PCM controls the engine speed by selectively cutting timing. When that happens you will notice the gas pedal having little to no effect, an extremely rough idle when you slow down or stop, accompanied by a wrench light. Usually restarting the engine will fix the problem temporality. The solution is to replace the throttle body.

Edited January 15, 2018 by FusionDiffusion

[jchisholm01]

Thanks for the reply. One more thing, right now the Air conditioner is not working in my car. I do plan to get my AC working within the next 2 months. Would not having any AC have anything to do with this problem that I'm having?

[FusionDiffusion]

I don't think the AC is the cause. However in certain failure modes the AC is disabled, so it's possible the AC not working is related to the engine not running correctly.

 

I would advise you to have the car scanned for diagnostic trouble codes that might provide some clues.

Edited January 17, 2018 by FusionDiffusion

[jchisholm01]

I called around to local mechanics, some of whom I've used in the past. They said that there isn't much that could do without any specific warning light showing up on the dashboard. The local Ford dealership even told me the same thing although they said that I could bring it in for a diagnosis but that would be over $100 just for a diagnosis. I haven't anything happen lately with the acceleration issue in over 4 weeks. So I'm not sure really what I should do at this point. 

[bbf2530]

9 hours ago, jchisholm01 said:

I called around to local mechanics, some of whom I've used in the past. They said that there isn't much that could do without any specific warning light showing up on the dashboard. The local Ford dealership even told me the same thing although they said that I could bring it in for a diagnosis but that would be over $100 just for a diagnosis. I haven't anything happen lately with the acceleration issue in over 4 weeks. So I'm not sure really what I should do at this point. 

 

Hi jchisholm.  Call your local Autozone, Pep Boys, O'Reillys etc. Many/most will run a free diagnostics scan for error codes. My local Autozone does. It may not come up with any codes, especially since any stored error codes may have been eliminated by 4 weeks of trouble-free driving, but it's a place to start. If the problem occurs again, bring it to one of those shops for a scan as soon as possible.

Keep us updated and good luck.

Edited February 1, 2018 by bbf2530

[jchisholm01]

Thanks everyone for your help. I did not even about Autozone or Pep Boys could do a free diagnostic for error codes for my car. Does Valvoline also do this? I usually go to them for oil changes and routine maintenance issues.

[drolds1]

4 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi jchisholm.  Call your local Autozone, Pep Boys, O'Reillys etc. Many/most will run a free diagnostics scan for error codes. My local Autozone does. It may not come up with any codes, especially since any stored error codes may have been eliminated by 4 weeks of trouble-free driving, but it's a place to start. If the problem occurs again, bring it to one of those shops for a scan as soon as possible.

Keep us updated and good luck.

Whoa, bbf.  Where have you been?

[bbf2530]

35 minutes ago, drolds1 said:

Whoa, bbf.  Where have you been?

 

Hi Art. Happy New Year and how the heck are you?

I've been traveling a lot for some time now. I would pop in infrequently, but by the time I would, you guys already had the questions answered.  On top of that, as I get older and the cars get newer, my knowledge base seems to shrink further and further. It's a vicious cycle!  I do hope to be around more often now.

Hope all is well with you and your loved ones!

Edited February 2, 2018 by bbf2530

[bbf2530]

3 hours ago, jchisholm01 said:

Thanks everyone for your help. I did not even about Autozone or Pep Boys could do a free diagnostic for error codes for my car. Does Valvoline also do this? I usually go to them for oil changes and routine maintenance issues.

 

Hi jchisholm. Sorry, got so excited seeing that someone remembered me and noticed I hadn't been around, that I forgot to answer your question. 

I'm not sure if Valvoline offers free DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) readings. Best course may be to call your Valvoline shop and ask. If they don't offer the service, call your local auto parts stores (i.e. Autozone, Pep Boys etc.). Do you have an Autozone in your area?

Keep us updated.

Edited February 2, 2018 by bbf2530

[FusionDiffusion]

FYI sometimes there are error codes stored even though the light isn't on, so it's always worth checking. However if it's been a month without any problems, the codes are probably long gone if there were any. If it happens again, please try to go to one of those auto parts stores and have them read within 2-3 ignition cycles of the event.

 

Chasing an intermittent problem like that is very difficult. Based on what you've said my best guess is the throttle body is going bad. People have said in the past that it's very intermittent and unpredictable in nature when it happens, but usually the hallmark is pressing the gas pedal seems to do little or nothing to the engine response, so keep that in mind.

 

P.S. Hi BBF!

[drolds1]

4 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi Art. Happy New Year and how the heck are you?

I've been traveling a lot for some time now. I would pop in infrequently, but by the time I would, you guys already had the questions answered.  On top of that, as I get older and the cars get newer, my knowledge base seems to shrink further and further. It's a vicious cycle!  I do hope to be around more often now.

Hope all is well with you and your loved ones!

Happy new year to you too.  I'm good. Thanks for asking.

 

Glad to see you back!

[akirby]

10 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi Art. Happy New Year and how the heck are you?

I've been traveling a lot for some time now. I would pop in infrequently, but by the time I would, you guys already had the questions answered.  On top of that, as I get older and the cars get newer, my knowledge base seems to shrink further and further. It's a vicious cycle!  I do hope to be around more often now.

Hope all is well with you and your loved ones!

 

Who is that masked man?

[bbf2530]

8 hours ago, FusionDiffusion said:

FYI sometimes there are error codes stored even though the light isn't on, so it's always worth checking. However if it's been a month without any problems, the codes are probably long gone if there were any. If it happens again, please try to go to one of those auto parts stores and have them read within 2-3 ignition cycles of the event.

 

Chasing an intermittent problem like that is very difficult. Based on what you've said my best guess is the throttle body is going bad. People have said in the past that it's very intermittent and unpredictable in nature when it happens, but usually the hallmark is pressing the gas pedal seems to do little or nothing to the engine response, so keep that in mind.

 

P.S. Hi BBF!

 

2 hours ago, akirby said:

 

Who is that masked man?

 

 Hi FD. Hi Allen. Happy New Year to you and yours! It's nice all you guys are still around to offer your wisdom and help everyone here.

Just an FYI...I'm not allowed to wear a mask. It scares my wife.

[akirby]

For some of us, wearing a mask would be LESS scary!

 

I'm actually about to trade in my Fusion for a F150.  Finally getting back into a truck after trading my 95 Ranger supercab on a 2000 Lincoln LS.  We're building a new house and I already have lots of stuff to build (furniture/cabinets/shelves/etc.).

[drolds1]

4 hours ago, akirby said:

For some of us, wearing a mask would be LESS scary!

 

I'm actually about to trade in my Fusion for a F150.  Finally getting back into a truck after trading my 95 Ranger supercab on a 2000 Lincoln LS.  We're building a new house and I already have lots of stuff to build (furniture/cabinets/shelves/etc.).

Well, that's an interesting change!

[akirby]

Pretty excited about it (the truck and the house).   We were able to customize the plan to get a 3 car side entry garage for cars plus another 16 ft garage on the side of the house for my woodworking shop.  And it’s on a ridge with views for miles.   I’ll post some pics on another thread - don’t want to hijack this one any more than we already have.

[drolds1]

Sounds great, Allen.  With a 3-car garage, you'll finally be able to get that convertible-whatever you've talked about.

[akirby]

You mean the 2013+ Guards Red Boxster S with black interior and PDK transmission?

 

Can’t say I’ve thought that much about it........

 

What I’d really like to do is find a 77 F100 I can restore, sell the F150 and get the Boxster S.   That’s one advantage of used trucks being so expensive - shouldn’t have any trouble getting my money back if I do sell it in a few years.

[bbf2530]

On 2/2/2018 at 1:29 PM, akirby said:

For some of us, wearing a mask would be LESS scary!

 

I'm actually about to trade in my Fusion for a F150.  Finally getting back into a truck after trading my 95 Ranger supercab on a 2000 Lincoln LS.  We're building a new house and I already have lots of stuff to build (furniture/cabinets/shelves/etc.).

 

Hi Allen. Best of luck with the construction of your new home.  Hope it goes quickly and smoothly!

[jchisholm01]

I went to the Valvoline that I usually go to and I had them do the diagnostic test for error codes. I explained to them what had happened with my Fusion and there is a known issue with the throttle body on Fusions. They did ask at Valvoline about any check engine lights and I told them that I did not notice any on the dashboard. They proceeded with the error check test and did not find any error codes. I even asked if I could personally see the screen of their device that they use to check for errors and there were errors or codes that showed up.

 

I had also told someone else at Valvoline about this acceleration problem that happened randomly. I don't remember exactly what he had said and he mentioned something about the crank shaft? I'm more convinced that this has something to do with the throttle body although I can't be totally sure. However, that's my update. 

[bbf2530]

15 hours ago, jchisholm01 said:

I went to the Valvoline that I usually go to and I had them do the diagnostic test for error codes. I explained to them what had happened with my Fusion and there is a known issue with the throttle body on Fusions. They did ask at Valvoline about any check engine lights and I told them that I did not notice any on the dashboard. They proceeded with the error check test and did not find any error codes. I even asked if I could personally see the screen of their device that they use to check for errors and there were errors or codes that showed up.

 

I had also told someone else at Valvoline about this acceleration problem that happened randomly. I don't remember exactly what he had said and he mentioned something about the crank shaft? I'm more convinced that this has something to do with the throttle body although I can't be totally sure. However, that's my update. 

 

Hi jchisholm. Thanks for the update. As FusionDiffusion and I previously mentioned, there was a good chance no codes would be present due to the length of time since the problem occurred (~a month). If there were codes set after the problem originally occurred, several ignition cycles without the problem reoccurring will often wipe out/"overwrite" error codes. Not sure who you spoke to that mentioned "the crank shaft"? Is it possible he said "crankshaft position sensor"? Anyway...If the problem occurs again, try to get to your Valvoline shop or another shop that will read any error codes as quickly as possible...preferably the same day.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Edited February 10, 2018 by bbf2530

[eGuru]

A OBD2 code reader and FORScan software would be an inexpensive investment that would make you independent of the service shop.

They are as indispensable as a tyre pressure guage for all car owners.

[jchisholm01]

Thanks for your replies. I will look into that code reader. When I was driving home today on the highway. The engine seemed loud and it made a strange sound when I put my brakes on. There was a big drop in temperate outside today and I may not have let my Fusion idle enough when I started it up. So maybe that caused this today? I though perhaps the throttle body was about to act up but nothing happened.  I will keep an eye on any issues and act fast on it. 

 

Regards

Edited February 13, 2018 by jchisholm01
add more info, revise

[jchisholm01]

I am going to have my Fusion brought in to a mechanic this coming Monday and have them check things out. I mentioned having the throttle body looked at or see if it needs to be replaced. Aside from the obvious acceleration problems and the car feeling stuck. What are some other symptoms of a bad throttle body? One thing to note is that the mileage is at 112,000 +. I'm not the most mechanically inclined person but I am learning more everyday. So thanks everyone for your patience.