1996 Ford Explorer

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Nov 22, 1999 | 08:31 AM

Mike Cirillo

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1996 Ford Explorer

I have a 96 Explorer and my check engine light is on. We have reset the ODB-II sensor which turns the light off for about 300 miles then it re-appears. Upon further checking we found that the problem is bad catalytic convertors. We have under 50,000 miles on the truck and our mechanic is telling us we have to replace the 'cats'. Has anyone else ran into this?

Michael Cirillo

Nov 25, 1999 | 01:44 PM

Steve

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Joined: Jun 1999

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1996 Ford Explorer

On my 1994 explorer the engine light first came on when we were driving up the Alcan on our way to Alaska. About the same time the engine started sputtering and we thought we were in trouble. The stuttering engine was due to really bad gas (This was a 400 mile dirt road and the few gas stations available didn't have octane ratings on the pumps. The only choices of gas were "unleaded" or "diesel".) Turns out the engine light came on because a sensor on the rear of the drivetrain was faulty. It's a few hundred bucks to replace the sensor, so we just live with the light coming on periodically.

Nov 26, 1999 | 04:57 AM

Kevin Steimer

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1996 Ford Explorer

Check your warranty. My 1995 is warranted for 80,000 on major emission components like the catalytic converter. Take it to the dealer and have them confirm, then replace yours.

Dec 27, 1999 | 03:13 PM

MichCraw

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Joined: Dec 1999

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1996 Ford Explorer

I have experienced the same problem that some of you have with the Check Engine light coming on.

My 96 has 105,000 miles on it and it first happened after a long highway trip of over 800 miles one way.

My local Ford dealership says I need to bring it in and have it diagnosed. This alone costs $55.

They also told me that if the engine is running ok, then don't worry too much about it until I need to have it inspected, because it won't pass in it's current state of operation.

Lately, I've also noticed some transmission fluid leakage.

Could the check engine light and the transmission fluid leak be related?

Any suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

Dec 27, 1999 | 03:24 PM

Mike Cirillo

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1996 Ford Explorer

Yup my mechanic said the same thing - so I am going to drive it till I need to get it inspected then I will get the catalytic converter changed

As far as transmission fluid leaking I have not seen anything yet. Since you do have 105,000 on it could be a seal.

Feb 17, 2000 | 04:28 AM

ExplorerEB96

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1996 Ford Explorer

I have heard of this problem over and over...I also have problems with the check engine light I leave it go..... my state (PA) has passed a stringent emmission test so I would have known right away if it was the Cat.. anyhow....the vehicle should pass inspection and emmission with a faulty sensor... it is not harmful to the environment...at least it is passable in my state.

Feb 17, 2000 | 04:35 AM

ExplorerEB96

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1996 Ford Explorer

" ZMax " microlubicant and it is used specifically to clean off sensors...I have used it and I have heard many rave about it... it is not cheap though " Prolong" seems to be the runner up ...It also has helped with my local gas milage.... I also purchased a performance chip and that helped alot with regulating ..