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Old Jan 28, 2004 | 11:15 AM
  #1  
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euro ford
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Unhappy Spark knock

Somebody please help!!! I have a 1999 5.0L Eddie Bauer Explorer with 93,000 miles. For the last year I have had a persistent spark knock. It only happens after the engine warms up completely say 1hours worth of driving. I have tried many things from using all different types of grade gas, changed the spark plugs and wires, used injector cleaners and changed the anti knock sensor. Recently I changed the Mass airflow sensor, which greatly improved the situation but did not totally eliminate the problem. I have just read about Sea Foam does anyone think this may help?? Or is there something else I should do.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2004 | 12:35 PM
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Do you have a Check Engine Light ON. My 5.0L explorer would knock once in awhile and it turned out to be a bad DPFE sensor. Just an idea.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2004 | 12:45 PM
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Nope, no check engine light
 
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Old Jan 28, 2004 | 03:09 PM
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Mine would knock on long trips with light load. Months later, the check engine light came on with poor EGR gas circulation and it was my DPFE sensor. If this is not you problem, I hope that you find it. Good Luck.
 
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Old Jan 29, 2004 | 12:03 PM
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Where is the knock sensor on the 5.0L? Do you have to drain the coolant to change it (like a GM)?

I have a 99 with the same pinging problem. I'm planning on replacing the knock sensor, DPFE and cleaning the EGR, if I could just find some tips on how to best clean the EGR.

I'm also planning on cleaning the MAF wires, but I cannot find a consensus on the best way to do this. I've been told you can use a spray can of brake cleaner, but others here say you have to do the toothbrush thing.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2004 | 10:04 PM
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I am having the same problem with my '02 4.0 SOHC. Timing chain tensioner TSB has been performed and the engine was decarbed by the dealer. The MAF was also inspected and replaced I think. The only difference is that mine does it worse when the outside temp is cold and the engine is cold. Seems to get better after the engine warms up. I was thinking of replacing the DPFE sensor just to see. Hate to do this, but don't really have the time or the patience for the dealer any more. 3 trips for this and still no luck. Dealer has been really cool though. They just can't do a whole lot because there are no codes. Keep us posted as to what you find out.
 
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Old Jan 31, 2004 | 03:27 AM
  #7  
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Originally posted by ric232
.......etc etc..............
I'm also planning on cleaning the MAF wires, but I cannot find a consensus on the best way to do this. I've been told you can use a spray can of brake cleaner, but others here say you have to do the toothbrush thing.
Do a search and you should find lots of info on this. IMHO, the toothbrush has too firm of a bristle and may break the delicate members of the MAF sensor. You don't want to scrub it, but rather loosen and float away the dirt is all. Instead, I've used an artist brush and gumout along with a bit of patience. Work the elements of the MAF with clean Gumout until they are clean, then gently blow on them with clean air. Some people have said that electrical contact cleaner works; IMHO you'd best watch out for electrical contact cleaners that have lubricant in them. Lube will contaminate the MAF and your problems will soon resurface. For this reason, I steer clear of electrical contact cleaner.
 
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Old Mar 3, 2004 | 06:21 AM
  #8  
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What is teh DPFE sensor?
 
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Old Mar 3, 2004 | 07:04 AM
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The DPFE sensor was new to me as well. It is a differential Pressure Feedback EGR Sensor. It is mounted on the back of the upper intake manifold right above the EGR. It should have two tubes running down to the exhaist manifold. I have very detailed instructions on how to replace this and it made a world of difference on my truck. My instructions are archived on this forum under the thread "Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums > Small Chassis Trucks > Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator > Check Engine Light Problem & Solution" from 10-04-2003
 
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Old Apr 9, 2004 | 02:48 PM
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From: North of Salt Lake City
New DPFE part available from Ford

The new part available at Ford dealers is slightly larger than the original. I replaced the old one with a new one and my code has not come back. The new part at the dealer is cheaper too, $29. The part number is: 4U7Z 9J460 AA. Good luck. A very easy (and cheap now) fix. No tools needed.
 
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