Hello All,

I have a 1994 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4 V6 that has a check engine light problem. The light doesn't come on until driving it about 2 miles. The SUV has 137k miles and I have had various service performed on it as follows:

3/2002 - Catalytic Converter Replaced
2/2002 - ABS Sensor replaced (Fixing the previous ABS Light Problem)
1/2002 - Muffler Replaced
12/2001 - Tune Up
10/2001 - Transmission Service

Oil changes are regular and frequent.

Problems started around December of 2000 when the check engine light started coming on and the performace was degraded. After several mis-diagnoses from Auto repair places, it was conclusive that my catalytic converter was bad (once they saw the muffler being completely blown off its welding mount). I don't know the exact diagnostic codes they said back then, but they mentioned something about a Emissions Control Valve being faulty. When it was replaced there was no difference whatsoever. After replacing the Muffler and the Catalytic Converter, the same problem exists.

To be specific, when the Explorer is around 1500 RPM's, it sounds like an idling problem where it sounds like it is hiccuping. It never stalls, it just runs rather rough.

The mechanic I talked to today mentioned that perhaps the fuel filter is clogged or the Throttle Positioning Sensor is bad. Diagnostic codes never pointed this out to begin with. Considering I had a Tune Up recently, I would have assumed that would have been checked. I am not very knowledgeable about cars, so I'm not sure what to check next.

Any Suggestions?

Thanks,
Bill

 

Can you give us the actual codes he pulled? That would let us know what problem the computer is seeing. If he won't tell you, you can pull them yourself pretty easily.

 

Thanks for the response...

He didn't give me the codes and he no longer has them. (This was many months ago)...Is there a simple way to test this? I have no problem spending 45 bucks for another diag, there's no telling what else could be wrong in the process (with my luck anyways) LOL..

Thanks,
Bill

 

Pulling the codes on a '94 yourself is fairly easy; requires an analog volt meter and a short piece of wire. You'd also want a manual to describe the set up and test procedure.

 

Has the fuel psi ever been checked ? If a Cat Conv needed replacing that usually indicates that excessive fuel is entering the engine .

 

Ok....After much speculation, I got the codes pulled.

Code 332 - Insufficient EGR Flow

After that, they guy pointed at two hoses coming from the (I guess) EGR Valve, one of them had a good size tear in it. He said they are special hoses and can't just be bought anywhere (they are different sizes in diameter). I went to Schucks just to get a couple of temporary hoses to fill the void temporarily. I disconnected the battery for a couple minutes and hooked it all back up and fired it up. Same problem persists, so should I assume replacing the EGR Valve in this case? (Weird, I thought that was replaced already...Shrug)

Thanks for the help so far...

-B

 

Did you ever get the problem with the check engine light
taken care of?

 

I had the same problem with my 94 Explorer. The fix might be easy. I cleaned the MAS sensor. It is located on the outlet side of the air cleaner box. It is the aluminum cylinder about 3" in diameter held to the air cleaner box with 4 bolts. Disconnect your battery. Remove the sensor which is on top of it and you'll find 2 tiny coiled wires. They probably have fuzzy stuff on them. Spray them gently with throttle body cleaner (like carb cleaner) and gently blow them dry with compressed air. Be very careful. Those wires are fragile (and EXPENSIVE). Reinstall the sensor. Reconnect the battery and take the car for a good, hard 20 minute drive. This solved my Check engine light problem and stopped the pinging that has gone on for 6 months. Good luck.

 

iv had my 94 sence new and its allways had a prob with that light i used to bring it in 2-3 times a mounth for this stupid light but it just seemes to have a senser messed up cuz they never found any thing wrong with it

could that be ur problem??


01 sport trac 4x4 black
97 explorer xlt AWD v8 blue
91 f-250 xlt lariat 4x4 blue/gray
84 ranger xlt 4x4 black
94 explorer xlt 4x4 purple/gray

96 explorer limited 4x4 green
96 explorer limited 4x4 green

i have 2 now they r identical i get really odd looks form the nabors now wonder y???

 

this maybe to late ,i'm not sure what causes the light problem but for the hiccuping , i found both my o2 sensors were defective, fixed the hiccuping problem . one of those things you should replace at 100k mi. but your parents ever told you. hope it helps 89jeep