Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

MPG dropping on 02' Expl.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 14, 2008 | 07:12 PM
  #1  
RA81222's Avatar
RA81222
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
MPG dropping on 02' Expl.

Seems my 02' Expl. MPG has dropped some.It has 140k on it and used to get close to 400 miles on a tank, now I'm down to 320 miles on a tank.I did replace plugs at 100k and still have original wires, but I don't think the wires would have that kind of effect.Engine seems to run pretty well.Any ideas?Also, has anyone dropped their gas tank and replaced the sending unit, mine is messed up.I tried some Chevron injector cleaner which was recommended on this site.thanks
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 01:31 PM
  #2  
marragtop's Avatar
marragtop
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore
With 140k, I suggest replacing the wires. Also, have you replaced the fuel filter and air filter?
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 01:36 PM
  #3  
sglaine's Avatar
sglaine
Posting Legend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 32,025
Likes: 0
From: Where Critters Are Free
The mileage has dropped in everything in my fleet.


All because of the additives that the oil company's are putting in the gas..
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 02:01 PM
  #4  
dkf's Avatar
dkf
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Change the fuel filter on a reg basis as well as the MAF sensor.

It wouldn't hurt to change the plug wires either.
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 04:27 PM
  #5  
CMOS's Avatar
CMOS
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia, TX
Definitely replace the plug wires, fuel filter, - and the PCV valve. Check for a clean MAF sensor as others have mentioned.

CMOS
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 05:24 PM
  #6  
RA81222's Avatar
RA81222
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
Is it difficult to replace the fuel filter?Do I need to get any special tools.I have a tool I used to do my Bronco fuel filter line removal.Whats the MAF?Mass Air Flow?Where is it?thanks
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 05:28 PM
  #7  
marragtop's Avatar
marragtop
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore
You need a Ford fuel line removal tool (about $8). There are many posts on the replacement process. It is a bit of a pita the first time you do it.
 
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 06:44 PM
  #8  
CMOS's Avatar
CMOS
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia, TX
"MAF" = Mass Airflow Sensor.

Do a search in the Tech section. I believe there are some pics of it. It's a sensor that is on the air duct from the filter housing just downstream from said filter. 2-prong connector IIRC.

Remove connector, remove MAF. You'll see 2 very small wire elements THAT YOU DO NOT EVER TOUCH. If they have any fuzz or goop on them, use real honest to god "MAF Sensor Cleaner" spray from a good auto parts store. Spray, allow to air dry, re-install carefully.

If you did find crap on the MAF, after you re-install it, disconnect the NEG battery wire for several hours to allow the computer data tables to clear. The computer will re-learn the engine conditions with the newly cleaned MAF.

CMOS
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 15, 2008 | 06:48 PM
  #9  
RA81222's Avatar
RA81222
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
thanks for the replies.
 
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2008 | 08:27 AM
  #10  
RA81222's Avatar
RA81222
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
Found the MAF, but seems it takes a special tool for the two screws that hold it on the air duct.Looks like a torx with some little nipple sticking up in the middle?
 
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2008 | 09:25 AM
  #11  
CMOS's Avatar
CMOS
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia, TX
Originally Posted by twisted limb
Found the MAF, but seems it takes a special tool for the two screws that hold it on the air duct.Looks like a torx with some little nipple sticking up in the middle?

Correct.

You either:
1) get a "security torx" bit from AutoZone or
2) Use a Dremmel to make a slot in the head of the screws so that you can use a flat blade screwdriver.

I'd suggest you go get the security Torx.

CMOS
 
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2008 | 06:54 PM
  #12  
RA81222's Avatar
RA81222
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
I was at Advance Auot Parts before I read your post and found the MAF cleaner.They do not have the bit so I did not get the cleaner yet.Also, why can't the sensor be cleaned still attatched to the plenum?I pulled the plenum off while putting in a new filter and could see the little wires in there and they did look clean.No debris that I could see on them.thanks
 
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2008 | 07:08 PM
  #13  
CMOS's Avatar
CMOS
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia, TX
Originally Posted by twisted limb
I was at Advance Auot Parts before I read your post and found the MAF cleaner.They do not have the bit so I did not get the cleaner yet.Also, why can't the sensor be cleaned still attatched to the plenum?I pulled the plenum off while putting in a new filter and could see the little wires in there and they did look clean.No debris that I could see on them.thanks

You're going to get a much better view and cleaning if you take it off.


CMOS
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:20 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE