'97 Explorer MPG Problem

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Mar 29, 2004 | 02:04 PM

bvfrizz

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Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 3

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From: Conifer, Colorado

'97 Explorer MPG Problem

My daughter owns the '97 Explorer Sport with 75k miles on it. She was getting 19 - 22 mpg about a year ago. It started to go downhill to about 15 - 16, so I replaced plugs. Not much changed. She started getting an engine light so I had it checked and replaced an O2 sensor on the passenger side. The light went out and has stayed out for the last 4 months. However, the gas milage has now dropped to around 13. What should I start looking for? It has plenty of power and starts right up even in subzero weather. We live in the mountains of Colorado just outside of Denver, and she drives back and forth to work and school every day. With the price of gas getting so high, it is worth the effort to fix. It has the 4.0L SOHC engine.

Mar 29, 2004 | 02:33 PM

99Xplr

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Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 335

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From: NJ

Check the air filter, MAF, fuel filter to start. I found that with as little as 10,000 miles on the air filter I started seeing a drop in MPG. Keep us updated on what you find.