Hi Richard and everyone,

My problem is still not resolved, that's why I haven't posted in awhile. However, I finally did find a decent mechanic and had the truck scanned. Sure enough both O2 sensors were bad. Apparently, O2 sensors only last for 60,000-90,000 miles. I had them replaced last week , but the light still comes on and the engine still pings. So I took it back yesterday and he scanned it again, this time he found 3 *new* codes. Now he thinks it's the MAF sensor but he's not sure because the codes he found were within range, but they weren't there before. It most likely is the MAF since there seems to be a problem with that sensor in Explorers. Several people have told me that. Next Monday (March 11) he'll install the new sensor (actually it's a factory rebuilt...new ones are $700-$800??!!) and he's not charging me for the labor. I think he wants to figure this out as much as I do. This guy has 4 Ford trucks of his own, so I think I'm in good hands. Oh and about the temp gauge, that seems to have fixed itself. Go figure.

I will let you know next week if my problem is solved.

Sue

P.S. Thank you everyone here who tried to help me figure this out. I'll keep ya posted..

 

My car is fixed!! Replacing the MAF sensor did the trick. Since my mechanic is 70 miles away it was easy to test it on the way home. 75 mph and no check engine light!
:7

Interestingly enough, he had another '94 Exploder in there today with the exact same problem, and same mileage as mine as well (79,000). This is obviously a very common problem.

Cheers,

Sue

 

I got here late, but am glad the problem is solved. I wanted to add my comments about running the codes. Here is a site which shows diagrams etc on the Ford EEC-IV system:

http://www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html

You don't need to pay anyone $200. You don't even need a code scanner if your check engine light works. Simply connect a wire from the pigtail next to the test connector to pin 2. Don't leave it connected except for testing, or your engine will do strange things as you drive along.

Follow the instructions on the site, or in the manual. If you have a service manual on any Ford with EEC-IV system, it will suffice.

The memory codes are a little elusive. I have repeatedly checked my 91 explorer only to find code 11 - no problems. But if you just wait after the 11's flash for about a minute or two the memory codes will start to flash.



Winford

 

Sue,
I think your temperature gauge malfunction is going to come back and haunt you. I had the same problem with my 94' Explorer for weeks and finally figured it out. The small temperature sending unit that is screwed in the top of intake manifold probably has a lose connection. Try removing the wire that goes over top the sending unit and clean it. Pinching it shut will also help make a tight connection also....it fixed my problem.

 

Thanks to all!!! The conversation in this forum has helping my explorer and me out a ton!!!
keep on posting-
check the forum by sdsurf with my problems if anyone has help to offer

-mike

 

:-staun
WOW thank god i found this forum i have the exact same problem, my check engine light comes on every time im on the highway and also i have the grinding or rattling nois when i accelerate.
i had the computer hooked up for free cuz of the nice people i know an it found nothing so that was a waste of time and i dont know what to do now? its not harming anything but i would like to get that light to stop coming on. As for the noise my mechanic told me to use premium so i did and that did nothing. so if anyone knows about these things and could help me i would be very greatfull.

CHRIS