Almost Stalls out after accelerating and stopping.

[Chaz8650]

2012 Fusion SE

2.5L / Auto

112k miles

 

Noticed something odd this morning.  On my drive into work this morning I accelerated from a light and the car in front of me stopped, so I did the same.  When I stopped the idle dropped down to around 450 or so (almost stalling) and then came back up and hunted for a few seconds before leveling back out.  When I to got into the parking lot at work I tried to replicate, from a dead stop every time I slightly accelerated and then hit the brakes the car almost stalls.  The car never did this before, no check engine lights, just started this morning.  Video was too large to drop directly in, below is a Dropbox link to the video where you can see the tach drop off, hunt and stabilize.  Any idea what may be causing this?

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dn26kcafv6lc1j3/AADnYEHFxp-bIfQCWxjtN-RLa?dl=0

 

[bbf2530]

51 minutes ago, Chaz8650 said:

2012 Fusion SE

2.5L / Auto

112k miles

 

Noticed something odd this morning.  On my drive into work this morning I accelerated from a light and the car in front of me stopped, so I did the same.  When I stopped the idle dropped down to around 450 or so (almost stalling) and then came back up and hunted for a few seconds before leveling back out.  When I to got into the parking lot at work I tried to replicate, from a dead stop every time I slightly accelerated and then hit the brakes the car almost stalls.  The car never did this before, no check engine lights, just started this morning.  Video was too large to drop directly in, below is a Dropbox link to the video where you can see the tach drop off, hunt and stabilize.  Any idea what may be causing this?

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dn26kcafv6lc1j3/AADnYEHFxp-bIfQCWxjtN-RLa?dl=0

 

 

Hi Chaz. Internet diagnosis is inaccurate at best, impossible at worst.

 

Taking a look at the information you have provided: Your Fusion has 112,000 miles. Have the spark plugs ever been changed, engine tuned up etc? If not, I would start there. It is overdue.

 

You could also run a bottle or two of Techron fuel injector cleaner through your engine. Follow the directions on the bottle.

 

It could also be a transmission/torque converter issue. You would likely need a shop/tech to verify that.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Edited November 30, 2020 by bbf2530

[Chaz8650]

Spark plugs were changed about 3 months ago. Trans fluid was flushed last year. 
run seafoam through it every so many moths. 

As for the “Tune Up” what are you referring to?   To me this would be plugs, plug wires, cap & rotor which these cars don’t have. 
 

By the way thank you for your help in advance. 

[bbf2530]

1 hour ago, Chaz8650 said:

Spark plugs were changed about 3 months ago. Trans fluid was flushed last year. 
run seafoam through it every so many moths. 

As for the “Tune Up” what are you referring to?   To me this would be plugs, plug wires, cap & rotor which these cars don’t have. 
 

By the way thank you for your help in advance. 

 

Hi Chaz. So this is where the entire Internet diagnosis thing gets difficult.

- What brand plugs? Hopefully Motorcraft? If not, what brand and model?  Hopefully not some special "triple dragon-tongue split unobtanium electrode" plug.? Our cars run better with the proper plugs installed.

- How long have you owned the vehicle? If you know the "Trans fluid was flushed last year", is it safe to assume you've owned it at least a year?

- This is a new issue that first happened this morning?

- What do you mean by "run seafoam through it every so many months". Through the intake? A fuel additive?

- It could be almost anything in the engine/fuel delivery system. It could a problem with the transmission/torque converter.

 

Before spending money, I would run a bottle of Techron in your next two tankfuls of gas.

 

I am not a tech, just a shade-tree mechanic.  Hopefully one of our tech members will jump in with their expertise.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

Edited November 30, 2020 by bbf2530

[eGuru]

Replace the ETB and definitely stop using the seafoam.

[Chaz8650]

bbf2530

     Yeah, I'm finding this car to be a PIA on and off since I've owned it and pinning down the exact root cause of the issue isn't easy.

- Yes, Motorcraft plugs from the dealer is what I installed.

- I've owned the car since 2015.

- Correct, new issue started yesterday morning. 

      + This morning when I backed out of the driveway and shifted from Reverse to Drive, when I hit Neutral RPM / Idle jumped to around 2k and held until I shifted into Drive.

- Yes, once or twice a year I'll dump a can of Seafoam in the gas tank.

      + I have never ran it through the intake.

      + Would you recommend running it through the intake? If so where do you guys typically dump it in, assuming a vacuum line?

- Really hoping its not a torque converter issue.

-  I'll grab some Techron and run it through, see if that helps.

   

 

eGuru

- You mention to not use Seafoam, is there a particular reason?

- Any recommendation on the brand of ETB, Motorcraft?  I typically purchase dealer parts if they are electronic, or does it not matter here?

 

I'm not going to dump too much money into it, probably just the recommended fuel treatment and the ETB, if that doesn't seem to help I'll probably have to take it to the dealer for diagnosis unless someone else feels strongly about a faulty component.

 

 

 

[bbf2530]

2 hours ago, Chaz8650 said:

bbf2530

     Yeah, I'm finding this car to be a PIA on and off since I've owned it and pinning down the exact root cause of the issue isn't easy.

- Yes, Motorcraft plugs from the dealer is what I installed.

- I've owned the car since 2015.

- Correct, new issue started yesterday morning. 

      + This morning when I backed out of the driveway and shifted from Reverse to Drive, when I hit Neutral RPM / Idle jumped to around 2k and held until I shifted into Drive.

- Yes, once or twice a year I'll dump a can of Seafoam in the gas tank.

      + I have never ran it through the intake.

      + Would you recommend running it through the intake? If so where do you guys typically dump it in, assuming a vacuum line?

- Really hoping its not a torque converter issue.

-  I'll grab some Techron and run it through, see if that helps.

   

 

eGuru

- You mention to not use Seafoam, is there a particular reason?

- Any recommendation on the brand of ETB, Motorcraft?  I typically purchase dealer parts if they are electronic, or does it not matter here?

 

I'm not going to dump too much money into it, probably just the recommended fuel treatment and the ETB, if that doesn't seem to help I'll probably have to take it to the dealer for diagnosis unless someone else feels strongly about a faulty component.

 

 

 

 

Hi Chaz. I would take eGuru's advice. Replace the ETB and stop using the Seafoam.

 

You can put a bottle of Techron into the tank when you fill up, once or twice a year to help keep the fuel injectors clean.

 

And yes, purchase the Motorcraft ETB.

 

Silly question, but need to ask...On cold mornings like now (assuming it is cold where you are), are you letting the car warm up long enough to see the idle begin to drop? Or are you starting the car and then immediately putting it into gear?

 

Either way, if you do not want to take the car in to a shop/tech for service, follow eGuru's advice and start with the ETB.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

Edited December 1, 2020 by bbf2530

[Chaz8650]

Yes, car does warm up prior to driving.

 

So I called the dealer to purchase a new throttle body and they said that its got extended coverage on it.  Coverage is up to 10 years or 150k miles, so they're going to look at it next Monday, recall beats having to buy new parts!  I'll let you guys know what I find out.  Will still do the Techron as well.

[bbf2530]

19 minutes ago, Chaz8650 said:

Yes, car does warm up prior to driving.

 

So I called the dealer to purchase a new throttle body and they said that its got extended coverage on it.  Coverage is up to 10 years or 150k miles, so they're going to look at it next Monday, recall beats having to buy new parts!  I'll let you guys know what I find out.  Will still do the Techron as well.

 

Hi Chaz. Happy to hear you called the Dealership first, instead of just ordering one online. Saved yourself money and trouble!

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

[Chaz8650]

After watching some videos on YouTube I assumed Techron was just like adding the Seafoam to the gas due to the lack of results from the "Official YouTube Testing" ?.  Anyway, I purchased a bottle over lunch yesterday, dumped it in the tank, topped off the gas and wasn't expecting too much.  Drove the car about 70 miles yesterday evening and now today I can't replicate the "Almost Stalling" issue, it may have worked.  Going to keep an eye on it over the next few days but still want the dealer to check it out.  Luckily I took the video of the tach so they dont just say "Couldn't Replicate", hopefully they just change it out since its a recall.

[bbf2530]

24 minutes ago, Chaz8650 said:

After watching some videos on YouTube I assumed Techron was just like adding the Seafoam to the gas due to the lack of results from the "Official YouTube Testing" ?.  Anyway, I purchased a bottle over lunch yesterday, dumped it in the tank, topped off the gas and wasn't expecting too much.  Drove the car about 70 miles yesterday evening and now today I can't replicate the "Almost Stalling" issue, it may have worked.  Going to keep an eye on it over the next few days but still want the dealer to check it out.  Luckily I took the video of the tach so they dont just say "Couldn't Replicate", hopefully they just change it out since its a recall.

 

Hi Chaz. Not so sure that a bottle of Techron would have worked so quickly (I use it too). But hey, let's hope it did. Would be an inexpensive fix for your issue. ?

 

My blind Internet advice: If you experience that stumble again, get your Fusion to the Dealership for the extended warranty ETB replacement as soon as possible.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

Edited December 2, 2020 by bbf2530

[drolds1]

5 hours ago, Chaz8650 said:

After watching some videos on YouTube I assumed Techron was just like adding the Seafoam to the gas due to the lack of results from the "Official YouTube Testing" ?.  Anyway, I purchased a bottle over lunch yesterday, dumped it in the tank, topped off the gas and wasn't expecting too much.  Drove the car about 70 miles yesterday evening and now today I can't replicate the "Almost Stalling" issue, it may have worked.  Going to keep an eye on it over the next few days but still want the dealer to check it out.  Luckily I took the video of the tach so they dont just say "Couldn't Replicate", hopefully they just change it out since its a recall.

If it doesn't do it when the service dep't. has the car, they may still say "can't replicate customer concern," video notwithstanding.

[Chaz8650]

Update.  So as I mentioned last week, once I added the Techron the hesitation / almost stalling seemed to go away.  While waiting to take the car into the dealership I always noticed that when in gear waiting at a light or stop sight the car seemed to idle rougher than it should, it has done this for probably 2 years now and I never really thought much of it other than it was an older car getting some miles so it.  I didn't know if this was due to the faulty ETB or if it was just gummed up, so late last week (prior to taking to dealership) I decided to run a can of Seafoam through intake, smoked a lot, however didn't seem to make the car run any different.  Still not hesitation / almost stalling, so I just waited to see what the dealership said.

 

The morning of the appointment at the dealership I asked them to also check the PCM while they were in there as the car has the typical hard 1-2 shift pretty frequently.  They called me up mid morning, told me there was a PCM update available and wanted to know if they wanted me to have the update it, I did ask them to perform the update.  Car was then finished, they did replace the ETB, took care of the PCM and did an inspection.  Upon picking the car up I noticed (at least it felt like) the car in gear at a stop had a smoother idle, still no longer hesitated / almost stalled out and the shifts seemed to be smoother as well.  

 

The next day I left work and had the hard 1-2 shift again and car had the rougher idle in gear at a stop ?, still no hesitation / almost stalling though which is was my original main concern was.   

 

Long story longer (sorry), not sure what corrected the hesitation / almost stalling, was it an intermittent ETB issue, was it the Techron, one may never know, regardless it seems to have gone away and its nice to have the piece of mind that at least the ETB was replaced.  I've owned Fords all my life and never have a "real" problem with any of them (knock on wood), however this Fusion has been my least favorite, always seems to be some mechanical nuisance.  It has never left me sit and I've never felt unsafe in it but I'm always waiting for the next issue.  To me I would not recommend one to anyone as "nice family car", daily beater or first time driver to not be afraid to bang it up, sure.

 

Sorry for being long winded guys, when I've got an issue and need to become a google mechanic I'm usually so worried about fixing the issue that I never end up going back and following up with everyone who tried to help.  So I wanted to make sure I gave my update, it may help someone else down the line.  Thank you guys again, I appreciate it!

 

 

[bbf2530]

3 hours ago, Chaz8650 said:

Update.  So as I mentioned last week, once I added the Techron the hesitation / almost stalling seemed to go away.  While waiting to take the car into the dealership I always noticed that when in gear waiting at a light or stop sight the car seemed to idle rougher than it should, it has done this for probably 2 years now and I never really thought much of it other than it was an older car getting some miles so it.  I didn't know if this was due to the faulty ETB or if it was just gummed up, so late last week (prior to taking to dealership) I decided to run a can of Seafoam through intake, smoked a lot, however didn't seem to make the car run any different.  Still not hesitation / almost stalling, so I just waited to see what the dealership said.

 

The morning of the appointment at the dealership I asked them to also check the PCM while they were in there as the car has the typical hard 1-2 shift pretty frequently.  They called me up mid morning, told me there was a PCM update available and wanted to know if they wanted me to have the update it, I did ask them to perform the update.  Car was then finished, they did replace the ETB, took care of the PCM and did an inspection.  Upon picking the car up I noticed (at least it felt like) the car in gear at a stop had a smoother idle, still no longer hesitated / almost stalled out and the shifts seemed to be smoother as well.  

 

The next day I left work and had the hard 1-2 shift again and car had the rougher idle in gear at a stop ?, still no hesitation / almost stalling though which is was my original main concern was.   

 

Long story longer (sorry), not sure what corrected the hesitation / almost stalling, was it an intermittent ETB issue, was it the Techron, one may never know, regardless it seems to have gone away and its nice to have the piece of mind that at least the ETB was replaced.  I've owned Fords all my life and never have a "real" problem with any of them (knock on wood), however this Fusion has been my least favorite, always seems to be some mechanical nuisance.  It has never left me sit and I've never felt unsafe in it but I'm always waiting for the next issue.  To me I would not recommend one to anyone as "nice family car", daily beater or first time driver to not be afraid to bang it up, sure.

 

Sorry for being long winded guys, when I've got an issue and need to become a google mechanic I'm usually so worried about fixing the issue that I never end up going back and following up with everyone who tried to help.  So I wanted to make sure I gave my update, it may help someone else down the line.  Thank you guys again, I appreciate it!

 

 

 

Hi Chaz. Thanks for coming back with an update. Hopefully the remedies and changes will be permanent.

 

Can mention that a PCM update would not normally  take care of a shifting issue, since most transmission parameters are controleld by the TCM.

 

I would also recommend a bottle of Techron on a full tank of gas maybe twice a year.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.