I got a problem with my MAX and it's that it's running kinda sluggish, it seems that there isn't enough gas getting to the engine. Since the spark plugs were put in last Jan i've discarded that as the possible reason. I ran a fuel system cleaner treatment through and it ran good for a couple of hours then went sh*tty again so far i've isolated the cause to the fuel filter and/or the fuel pump itself. I'm going to replace the fuel filter later today and pray to God that it's not the fuel pump going bad. Anything else I should look for?

A little info:

RPM is BELOW 1K @ IDLE

Also, what fog lamps fit on the front bumper of a 95 MAX? Model # and where I can find them, cuz running around in the fog without them is a *****!

 

Your idle should be around 650.

OEM fogs will not help you in the fog, ironically enough. Neither will many cheaper aftermarket ones.

 

Are you running any codes? It also might be the knock sensor.

 

If changing the fuel filter doesn't help (it's probably clogged, it's been A WHILE since last changed hence my 90% confidence that there lies the problem) I'll run for codes, although the CE light hasn't flipped on so I'm guessing none of the sensors are failing (I hope). I don't feel/hear my engine knocking so I don't think it's the knock sensor screwing with the ECM.

 

i'd run a diagnostic and check for your knock sensor like grnmax said. You might not have a CE light, but the KS throws a 'ghost code' if its malfunctioning.
def. go to autozone and get it checked out.

 

 

Ok, and if it is the Knock Sensor, is it something that I can replace myself? how do I get to it? and is there any documentation available in the Haynes and/or Chilton Manual or anywhere else on how to replace it?

Around how many miles does the fuel filter need to be changed on the MAX?

 

Fuel filter is around 30k IIRC, there are instructions in the How-To stickies on changing the knock sensor, Ebay sells them.

 

UH OH! that about just as much mileage that filter has in there give or take (changed it once and never changed it again ). I finished reading the review @ Motorvate on changing the Knock Sensor, seems simple enough. Doesn't AutoZone carry Knock sensors? I'll change the filter (long overdue) and if it still runs like sh*t i'll check the Engine Codes. Thanks.

 

The KS comes up every 3 days or so, just take a look back at the threads. There was a huge fuel filter thread about a month ago. Fuel filter gets changed every 50,000k, but if your not sure just change it anyways.

 

My own KS was open circuit and the car still drove fine. Since it's been fixed I notice the difference mainly in better fuel mileage. I doubt it's the KS.
You ran a injector cleaner I assume and then for 2 hours it went better, then worse again? D'oh, how would an injector cleaner fix a clogged fuel filter, hmm?
I doubt it's the fuel filter, either.
My best guess: Fuel injectors need properly cleaning!

 

what kind of air intake do you have on it? i know i had a HAI on mines and my car performed terrible under certain conditions once i went back to stock all the hesitation and stalling went away.

 

Exactly what I did just yesterday. Doesn't look as good stock, but the torque is back!

 

Ok, just finished changing the filter. It's running better now. I tapped on the injectors with a screwdriver and they are all working so I dunno if that's it but i'll try to pull them out and clean them when I get a chance.

 

How would you determine if a fuel injector works or not by tapping on it?

 

Great question!!

 

by placing a screwdriver on top of the injectors to feel it "clicking" theoretically you can determine if it's working or not if you can't feel anything the Injector is dead or malfunctioning. I guess I dunno. tapping was a bad choice of words.

 

just do the basic tune up....thatt is all, if that does not do it, then you have other problems, but 90% of the time a tune up can fix sluggishness