check engine light
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New User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
check engine light
I have a 97 explorer and the check engine light just came on. Just before it came on it was starting to run bad. It sounds like it has a bad miss. I replaced the spark plugs about 15,000 miles ago and I just put new spark plug wires in, and I put a new fuel filter in also. I am going to take it in to the shop but I just wanted to see if I could get some feedback. It has 72,000 miles and its been a great vehicle. please help
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore
check engine light
If you're going to take it to a shop, have them check the engine codes with a code reader. That should give them an idea of what's wrong with the engine. If they can't check the codes, then I suggest you take it somewhere else.
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
New User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern Pa.
check engine light
our '98 was similar. The new plugs, wires, etc. did not do the trick. It turned out to be the Mass Air flow sensor. Runs much better now. Although I still have a slight hesitaiton/shimmy from 50-60 mph. Good Luck
New User
Joined: Aug 2002
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check engine light
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 09-Aug-02 AT 09:32 PM (EST)]Had the same problem about 78,000 miles with my 95 EddieBauer Explorer. The dealer said it was the transmission. They suggested doing a transmission service first (since it's a lot less expensive than replacing the transmission), but if it continued to happen I'd have to think about replacing the transmission. That was 5,000 miles ago, and has been fine since. Unfortunately, a friend of mine had the exact same problem, but took it to a different dealer. They just went ahead and replaced the transmission without trying a conservative fix first. So be careful!
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Junior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 95
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From: Riverside USA
check engine light
I get alot of customers who try to fix there car based on Autozone's "free" test and the related "part" sold to fix the code. I wish it was that easy. Remember, (as an example) an egr code for no flow does not mean a bad valve. It means the computer "thinks" no flow based on inputs and outputs. In the egr we have : a pcm,wiring,egr valve, egr vac. regulator, egr pressure sensor, egr presure sensor hoses, egr tube, egr intake passages, egr exhaust passages, egr vacumn regulator vacumn lines. As you can see, if any of that goes bad we might have a no flow code. Just be careful what you buy or are being sold. Take the code then follow an established diagnostic path.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 580
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From: Kelseyville, CA
check engine light
Exactly! Use the code that Autozone give you to follow the proper troubleshooting steps or to seek advise from more knowledgeable people. Do not rely on the Autozone Sales People to accurately diagnose the codes they give you.
New User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 12
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check engine light
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Aug-02 AT 03:40 AM (EST)]My 94 would have the check eng light come on intermitinly. then one day it just stayed on and the power went to 
could not get it to run over 3300 rpm. high way power sucked as did the gas mileage. My nieghbor mentioned the mass air flow sensor so i took some starting fluid and cleaned it out. Worked great. power is backgas mileage went from 10 to19 mpg and no more hesitation at take offs. 
be carefull with starting fluid highly flameable
could not get it to run over 3300 rpm. high way power sucked as did the gas mileage. My nieghbor mentioned the mass air flow sensor so i took some starting fluid and cleaned it out. Worked great. power is backgas mileage went from 10 to19 mpg and no more hesitation at take offs. be carefull with starting fluid highly flameable 
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: SMITHVILLE USA
check engine light
I USED AUTOZONES FREE SCANNER TO DIAGNOSE MY HESITATION PROBLEMS AT DEAD STOP AND UP HILLS. AUTOZONES SCAN TOOL SAID INSUFICIENT FLO - EGR VALVE , SO THEY SOLD ME ONE (41.99). WELL, IT DIDNT WORK STILL HAVE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE HESITATION. JUST REMEMBER SALES GUYS AREN'T MECHANICS.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 886
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
check engine light
My 97 Explorer had the check engine come on and the code was missfire cyl 2&4. Well plug 2 was ok but 4 had some burned on coating. Replaced #4 even though this plug only had 6K on it. Have been told that it could be related to intake manifold leak. So I would check your plugs and wires again after you get the code from Autozone. I've used them 3 times this year for codes!
