Hey guy's,

My wife’s Explorer has a strange problem and now I am lost. Here is what is happening.

1) Getting a Check engine light--------When I ran the codes with a little home checker that plugs in under the hood, it gave me an error and couldn't pull any codes. I also took it to a local auto parts store that performs a free diagnostic test (plugged in under dash) and they also got an error and were unable to pull any codes.

2) Every few weeks the truck would either cut out in the middle of driving around or would not crank when we hopped in.--- I could pull the positive battery cable off for 10-15 minutes with the key on to reset the PCM and it would fire up and run again.

3) Last night, my wife was at the gas station and it happened again----The “disconnecting the battery trick” didn’t work. I had it towed home and started checking every thing I could.

It has power at the coil (pulled the plug wire and turned it over) and I disconnected the fuel line at the fuel pressure regulator and with the key on, fuel came out.

I’m thinking that with it giving errors and just cutting out like it is, the computer brain might be failing. (not signaling the injectors maybe) I’ve got spark and fuel at the FPR, what do you all think?

Truck info: 95 Explorer 4.0 – four door - 2 wheel drive.

Thank you so much for any help you can provide and sorry for the long post,

Rick Neal

 

I think you should go back and try and pull the codes again. Use the connectors under the hood, not the one under the dash. '95 was the transition year from EECIV(under the hood) to OBDII(under the dash). When you are checking it under the hood, you need to make sure both plugs are hooked up to the reader.

Mike

 

I pluged both plugs in under the hood. Still no codes.

 

Did you try both tests... engine running, and engine not running?? Are you getting any readout on the tester??

 

We tested my truck, not running, then we took it to my buddies 95 exlorer to make sure it wasn't the code checker. His truck checked out fine. I can't do the running test now because I can't get it to crank. I really don't want to tow it to ford to have them test it, but I'm running out of ideas.

Can I pull the PCM and take it to Ford and have them just test the PCM by itself to see if it's still functional?

Rick

 

Will the engine turn over but not crank, or will it even turn over?

If you cannot get a reading, I would guess there might be something wrong with the PCM itself. Unplug the PCM, and take it out to see if there is any scarring or wear signs. Also check the plug connections on both the PCM and the harness to make sure you have good connections. What PCM code do you have?

 

hey - Sounds like it could be electrical. I'll give you some cheap things to check. The engine ground cable goes to an exposed stud near the starter. Take off, R/R, check cable in vicinity of lug. put back with a dab of silicone grease. Next - same for battery terminals. Poor contacts here can cause low voltage when starting, possibly confuse computer.

Now - get some contact cleaner and silicone dielectric grease. take all engine related connectors apart one at a time, clean male & female prongs as needed, grease and put together. Do all the emission sensors, but stay away from the air bag stuff. I do not touch that - EVER.
I worked as an electrician, have solved intermittent and check engine problems on quite a few Ford trucks and cars this way.
George

 

Cobra - It will turn over, but it won't crank. I unplugged the PCM and checked the connections on both and they looked fine. Should I pull the actual PCM out of the cowl? If I do, can I open it up with out hurting it to see if there are any burnt dilly dally's inside?

Thanks George, I will start cleaning them tonight.

Thanks for the help,
Rick

 

It was the PCM.

Installed a new one and it runs fine. Now I can pull codes with no problem.

Hope this can help someone in the future!