94 Explorer Losing power
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New User
Joined: Apr 2005
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94 Explorer Losing power
Hi all,
I have a '94 Explorer (200,000 kms) thats beginning to act its age. Since the start of the new year it has been hesitating when I give it some gas. At first it was something that occurred infrequently but now it has become the norm. The problem can occur at any time but less noticeable on warmer days. It usually occurs when I'm trying to get more power such as accelerating or going uphill; the power caps off or drops. If I floor the pedal, or pump it, it'll pick up and go. I though it might be a fuel pump or filter problem but both checked out OK. The spark plugs and wires were replaced 6 month ago and MAF cleaned last week. Pulled the codes and got a "lean on left side" and "Fuel pump circuit open; Battery to PCM". I'm assuming my problem is somewhere in the a fuel circuit. Could it be an emissions/exhaust problem?
Not sure if this is related but there have been times when accelerating uphill I hear a pinging sound and sometimes a whistling sound.
Anybody have any suggestions where I should start to identify this problem?
I have a '94 Explorer (200,000 kms) thats beginning to act its age. Since the start of the new year it has been hesitating when I give it some gas. At first it was something that occurred infrequently but now it has become the norm. The problem can occur at any time but less noticeable on warmer days. It usually occurs when I'm trying to get more power such as accelerating or going uphill; the power caps off or drops. If I floor the pedal, or pump it, it'll pick up and go. I though it might be a fuel pump or filter problem but both checked out OK. The spark plugs and wires were replaced 6 month ago and MAF cleaned last week. Pulled the codes and got a "lean on left side" and "Fuel pump circuit open; Battery to PCM". I'm assuming my problem is somewhere in the a fuel circuit. Could it be an emissions/exhaust problem?
Not sure if this is related but there have been times when accelerating uphill I hear a pinging sound and sometimes a whistling sound.
Anybody have any suggestions where I should start to identify this problem?
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
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From: UT
Was the fuel pump code a KOEO (before separator pulse) or memory code (after separator pulse)?
An intermittent open in the fuel pump circuit would cause the fuel pump to run erratically, which could cause low fuel pressure, which could cause a lean code to be set. I would verify that the fuel pump circuit is intact.
Other possible causes of a lean code:
a vacuum leak (which can also cause engine ping which is very common to these engines). One common place to leak is through the lower intake manifold gasket (bolts come loose). Usually tightening the bolts is good enough. Recently saw another guy with the same problem who reported fouling of the #5 spark plug (which is on the left side), which points to problems with the intake gasket. Tighten the bolts (good as a maintenance item even if it isn't the direct problem).
An intermittent open in the fuel pump circuit would cause the fuel pump to run erratically, which could cause low fuel pressure, which could cause a lean code to be set. I would verify that the fuel pump circuit is intact.
Other possible causes of a lean code:
a vacuum leak (which can also cause engine ping which is very common to these engines). One common place to leak is through the lower intake manifold gasket (bolts come loose). Usually tightening the bolts is good enough. Recently saw another guy with the same problem who reported fouling of the #5 spark plug (which is on the left side), which points to problems with the intake gasket. Tighten the bolts (good as a maintenance item even if it isn't the direct problem).
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Joined: Apr 2005
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The problem started about 4 months after plugs and wires were changed. The open circuit code comes after the separator code. In total there are three codes: KOEO after separator code: 1 code for lean on left side and another for the open fuel pump circuit. Another code KOER for lean on lean side. I'm going to check out your suggestions this weekend - let you know of the results.
