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3.0 Duratech DOHC Bucking Problem

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  #1  
Old 11-01-2010, 12:57 PM
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Default 3.0 Duratech DOHC Bucking Problem

Someone please help! I have a 2002 Mercury Sable that bucks (or misses) while going up small hills at around 35 mph. I have tried everything... I think. It started when it had about 40K miles on it and now has over 80K. The engine has always run very smooth and quiet and is very responsive. When it first happened, I replaced the one-piece coilpack and that fixed it for about three months when the problem returned. The coilpack had obvious cracks in the epoxy on the under side. Once again, I replaced the coil pack - although, I couldn't see any cracks on this one. The problem was fixed once again for about 13 months and then came back. I replaced the coilpack a third time - this time adding a heat shield underneath it to shield it from the heat coming from the exhaust manifold. That lasted for one month and the problem returned. Refusing to believe that the coil pack went out so soon, I replaced all the spark plugs and wires with new OEM MC parts. I also replaced the PCV valve, intake manifold gaskets, EGR gasket, and thoroughly cleaned the manifold/EGR pipes, throttle body and MAF sensor. I also checked the EGR functionality and it was working perfectly. After doing all of this, I took the car for a test drive and it was exactly the same - as though I hadn't done anything!!! Frustrated, I replaced the coilpack again, but the problem did not go away this time! The engine still runs smooth and quiet, does not hesitate and has plenty of power, but when I go up slight hills at about 35 mph; it bucks. At my wits end, I replaced the coilpack again - no change. Occasionally, it logs a P0301 code, but only when it bucks real bad. I have tried swapping plugs around to different locations, but no change. My wife has driven the car that way ever since. Anyone know what's causing this? I will be eternally greatful for the fix. Thanks in advance!
 

Last edited by mtnlovrs; 11-25-2010 at 07:19 PM.
  #2  
Old 11-03-2010, 10:21 PM
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Default New Problem!

The auto head lamps have been flickering intermittently lately and just the other night they turned off while driving the car at night. I had to manually turn the headlight switch to "on" and then back to "auto" for the autolamps to work again (they do work in the manual position, as well). We can live without this feature, but I must admit that we have grown fond of it. Do you think the auto head lamp module is going out?
 
  #3  
Old 11-07-2010, 07:21 PM
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Default Update on auto-headlamp problem:

Apparently, this is a common problem on 2000 and newer model years (Sable and Taurus) and can only be fixed by replacing the GEM (Generic Electronic Module). The best way is to get a used one from a salvage yard that already has the software loaded. Otherwise, you have to pay Ford to transfer your car's software from the old GEM to the new one. This could be quite costly. One more thing, if you have this problem and want to perchase a new GEM, don't remove your old one until you have downloaded the software from it or the software may be lost.
I still need help with the original problem. Are there any Guru's in the house... Please help.
 
  #4  
Old 11-13-2010, 02:30 AM
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Don't use fm transmitters, they don't work because the antenna and the radio tuner are in the trunk.
 
  #5  
Old 11-25-2010, 05:32 PM
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Default 3.0 Duratech DOHC Bucking Problem

Originally Posted by mtnlovrs
Someone please help! I have a 2002 Mercury Sable that bucks (or misses) while going up small hills at around 35 mph. I have tried everything... I think. It started when it had about 40K miles on it and now has over 80K. The engine has always run very smooth and quiet and is very responsive. When it first happened, I replaced the one-piece coilpack and that fixed it for about three months when the problem returned. The coilpack had obvious cracks in the epoxy on the under side. Once again, I replaced the coil pack - although, I couldn't see any cracks on this one. The problem was fixed once again for about 13 months and then came back. I replaced the coilpack a third time - this time adding a heat shield underneath it to shield it from the heat coming from the exhaust manifold. That lasted for one month and the problem returned. Refusing to believe that the coil pack went out so soon, I replaced all the spark plugs and wires with new OEM MC parts. I also replaced the PCV valve, intake manifold gaskets, EGR gasket, and thoroughly cleaned the manifold/EGR pipes, throttle body and MAF sensor. I also checked the EGR functionality and it was working perfectly. After doing all of this, I took the car for a test drive and it was exactly the same - as though I hadn't done anything!!! Frustrated, I replaced the coilpack again, but the problem did not go away this time! The engine still runs smooth and quiet, does not hesitate and has plenty of power, but when I go up slight hills at about 35 mph; it bucks. At my wits end, I replaced the coilpack again - no change. Occasionally, it logs a P0301 code, but only when it bucks real bad. I have tried swapping plugs around to different locations, but no change. My wife has driven the car that way ever since. Anyone know what's causing this? I will be eternally greatful for the fix. Thanks in advance!
Anyone?
 
  #6  
Old 11-25-2010, 10:39 PM
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I do not think that the dohc engine will work in that frame. it might fit, but the electrical would be different. and i am not sure if the trans will bolt up the same way. you should match the4 old one up exactly, down to the year.
 
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Old 11-25-2010, 10:45 PM
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Only when we have our own ideals, can nyc asian escort we find the origin of energy and enthusiasm in life, and become active and perseverant. Whatever nyc asian escorts your ideal is, careful plan and preparation is vital to its realization. Of course, the path from nyc escort where you are to where you want to get is not always smooth and straight. Therefore, an optimistic, positive nyc escorts mind is indispensable in the process of your persevering your ideal.
 
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Old 01-31-2011, 10:30 PM
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Default One more try... Anyone?

Someone please help! I have a 2002 Mercury Sable that bucks (or misses) while going up small hills at around 35 mph. I have tried everything... I think. It started when it had about 40K miles on it and now has over 80K. The engine has always run very smooth and quiet and is very responsive. When it first happened, I replaced the one-piece coilpack and that fixed it for about three months when the problem returned. The coilpack had obvious cracks in the epoxy on the under side. Once again, I replaced the coil pack - although, I couldn't see any cracks on this one. The problem was fixed once again for about 13 months and then came back. I replaced the coilpack a third time - this time adding a heat shield underneath it to shield it from the heat coming from the exhaust manifold. That lasted for one month and the problem returned. Refusing to believe that the coil pack went out so soon, I replaced all the spark plugs and wires with new OEM MC parts. I also replaced the PCV valve, intake manifold gaskets, EGR gasket, and thoroughly cleaned the manifold/EGR pipes, throttle body and MAF sensor. I also checked the EGR functionality and it was working perfectly. After doing all of this, I took the car for a test drive and it was exactly the same - as though I hadn't done anything!!! Frustrated, I replaced the coilpack again, but the problem did not go away this time! The engine still runs smooth and quiet, does not hesitate and has plenty of power, but when I go up slight hills at about 35 mph; it bucks. At my wits end, I replaced the coilpack again - no change. Occasionally, it logs a P0301 code, but only when it bucks real bad. I have tried swapping plugs around to different locations, but no change. My wife has driven the car that way ever since. Anyone know what's causing this? I will be eternally greatful for the fix. Thanks in advance!
Anyone?
__________________
 
  #9  
Old 10-10-2011, 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by mtnlovrs
Anyone?
Hi -- Ever find a fix?? i have same problem with my 2001 Sable. After 3 mechanics, & replacing gaskets, plugs, hoses, etc., problem is back. Much improved though. Check engine light blinks when it 'misses' -- I'm beginning to think it's a sensor or software. To stop bucking, I immediately take my foot off gas pedal & re-accelerate. Also, if your A/C ever breaks, I found the code to fix.
Emoticon = banging my head against wall also.
 
  #10  
Old 10-12-2011, 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by wendymccann
Hi -- Ever find a fix?? i have same problem with my 2001 Sable. After 3 mechanics, & replacing gaskets, plugs, hoses, etc., problem is back. Much improved though. Check engine light blinks when it 'misses' -- I'm beginning to think it's a sensor or software. To stop bucking, I immediately take my foot off gas pedal & re-accelerate. Also, if your A/C ever breaks, I found the code to fix.
Emoticon = banging my head against wall also.
Unfortunately, no. I have copied this thread to several different forums and no one has ever replied with a fix. The Ford dealer is also clueless. We have learned to live with it. It is the same for me, that is, when I take my foot off the pedal - it stops bucking and accellerates again if I give it more gas. We have just over 90K on her now.
I just replaced the AC compressor, clutch, bearing, accumulator and orifice tube because the clutch bearing failed and I couldn't replace it without removing the compressor from the car. Works great now; what code were you talking about?
 


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