I have a 1994 Ford Explorer (V6, 4.0L, 2WD). My Engine has been going through weekly periods where it will cut out and sometimes die...it is almost on a cycle where it is fine then it will start acting up. When it does mess up, the 'check engine' light comes on repeatedly throughout driving range... it loses all power when the accelerator is depressed, but then suddenly jumps back to normal power and does so multiple times. Occasionally, the engine fluxes while idleling, it acts as if it is gasping for fuel. Any Idea as to what may be causing this?

 

The first thing I'd do is read the trouble codes from the computer, if any. If the CEL is coming on, the computer is supposed to store a trouble code. If you don't want to pay someone else to pull your codes, it's easy to do yourself with an analog voltmeter and a jumper wire.

 

I have also had this problem. I have cleaned the Mass Air Flow sensor and chenged the EGR valve, all to no avail. If anyone is familar with this problem, any help would be greatly apprecitaed.
Also I saw a code reader at autozone for $80 and was wondering if this will read stored codes or only those when the Check Engine Light is on. Please advice

-mike

 

Sounds like it could be your fuel pump. My uncle's 94 EB was having a similar problem. He was experiencing hesitation and occassionally the truck would just die for no apparant reason. Finally, the fuel pump completely died, and after a tow, the pump was replaced and the problem solved. He was aslo seeing the Check Engine light, but no codes in the computer to lead to the problem. Hope this helps.

 

i had a similar problem with my 93. it turned out it was a faulty connection from the battery to the fuse box. I had the same problems with loosing sudden power and then getting it back, however mine got so bad that everytime i hit a pothole the car would stall...it was a very loose connection. My suggestion would be to try and tighten that up and see if the problem persists.

 

Haven't had any problems with it dying and it has been like this for quite some time so I don't think it is fuel. Is there a check you know of? I also heard it could be the fuel pressure regulator. My leanings are more toward emissions and intake, o2, egr and what not... any other hints?

 

I checked all of the wiring and just had neg of battery off last night. Seems that all the connections are fine, i am stumped. ANyone out there with help?