'02 Explorer Check Engine Light
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
From: El Paso, TX
'02 Explorer Check Engine Light
Well, the check engine light came on in my wife's 02 explorer. We drove it about 25 minutes, shut it off for abou 30 minutes, got back in to come home and noticed that the light was on. The are no obvious changes in performance. Should I worry about this or not? Also, does Autozone pull codes for this model year or is this a dealer only task? Please help as we are supposed to leave in about 18 days to go from El Paso, TX to Nashville. Just want to have this thing running good and reliable for the trip. Thanks.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
From: El Paso, TX
Ok guys. I just checked the gas cap and it was ok. I also took the truck up to Autozone to pull the codes and got code P1400. The guy at autozone said that this had to do with the EGR valve and suggested that I come home and clean it. Well, I removed the valve cleaned it as best I could with some throttle body cleaner, and reinstalled it. The light still comes on. Should I replace the EGR valve or look at something else. Thanks for the help guys.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
From: El Paso, TX
Through a search of this site I am beginning to think that it may be the differential pressure feedback sensor that is causing this. Where is this sensor located and what does it look like? Also, is this a dealer only item because Autozone has no idea what I am talking about with this thing.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 856
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, Missouri
It may indeed be the DPFE valve, but I would suggest clearing the codes first and then see if the light comes back on after driving a little. You can clear them by disconnecting the negative cable for at least two minutes. 
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Check Engine Light
You didn't mention the mileage. My '96 got to somewhere over 60,000 miles and the light would come on periodically. It meant that I would soon be out $200-$300. I started calling it the dealer reimbursement light. It usually has something to do with the emissions controls as opposed to something like a head gasket getting ready to blow. As to whether it is dangerous to continue driving it, my brother likes to point out that 4 out of every 5 cabs in New York City have the check engine light on.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
From: El Paso, TX
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 856
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, Missouri
That is what mine did and the dealer put on a new DPFE valve and it fixed it. If I had an 02 with 60,000, it would bug me to death to leave it on. After I had the dealer fix it and found out it wasn't covered by extended warranty, I found the fix here on this site. I would suggest changing the valve and search FTE for the instructions.
Bryon
Bryon
New User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Miked79928,
My wife has the same model year Sport Trac and the check engine light came on about 6-months ago. I took it to the local dealer, who checked the code. It was a bad Oxygen Sensor, which was also part of a Ford Recall. So before you go spending your own money give your nearest dealership a call and find out if yours is part of a recall. All they should need is the VIN # to tell you or not.
Another problem may be in the Cadilladic Converter. It is is going bad the check engine light will also come on.
Mine is still not fixed (Live in Germany) and waiting for the parts to come in. Truck still runs fine with the light on.
Good luck and have a safe trip and happy holidays.
Sweat
//05,' PSD, SC, Dark Stone//
//02,' Sport Trac, White//
My wife has the same model year Sport Trac and the check engine light came on about 6-months ago. I took it to the local dealer, who checked the code. It was a bad Oxygen Sensor, which was also part of a Ford Recall. So before you go spending your own money give your nearest dealership a call and find out if yours is part of a recall. All they should need is the VIN # to tell you or not.
Another problem may be in the Cadilladic Converter. It is is going bad the check engine light will also come on.
Mine is still not fixed (Live in Germany) and waiting for the parts to come in. Truck still runs fine with the light on.
Good luck and have a safe trip and happy holidays.
Sweat
//05,' PSD, SC, Dark Stone//
//02,' Sport Trac, White//
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I'm with 1081
Had the exact same thing happen on my 02 (same code) @ 55,000 miles.. fortunately, since I had alread scoured alldatadiy.com for TSBs on another issue, that PO1400 code rang a bell... i'd almost bet my life that it's the DPFE sensor.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
DPFE Sensor
I would also bet it is the DPFE sensor. I just replaced mine a few days ago and the code hasn't come back. I have 50k miles. The sensor is a flat rectangle box just behind the engine cover next to the firewall. I would guess the dimensions are 1"Wx2"Lx.25"D and has one electrical plug as well as two vacuum lines. $30 at the dealer and then you'll know what you are looking for. It's an easy 5 minute fix. To clear the codes when you are done. disconnect the battery for 15 min. Let me know if you have any more questions!
Jman
Jman
Last edited by jesus_man; Jan 3, 2005 at 09:24 AM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
customfoam
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
1
Dec 20, 2008 04:36 PM
Walston
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
9
Feb 3, 2007 09:31 PM
chemist30
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
May 9, 2002 08:59 PM
blau87
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
8
Dec 31, 2001 08:13 AM