1993 Explorer Coming out of Retirement

[MickeyWickey]

My Explorer had been parked PNO for 2 years because my mechanic got a 116 code and couldn't locate the part ECT. I had a bunch of life to deal with, so we parked it, filed planned non-operation with the DMV and dealt with it. My husband has been running it every week, driving it around the field and it still runs fine, it just wouldn't pass the stupid smog in California with the check engine light on.

Yesterday I ordered the part (which I did not have any trouble locating) after confirming that the one in the car was bad with my multimeter.

I'm starting this thread to chronicle the unretirement of my beloved Explorer. After I get her smogged, I think the only thing I need to have an enjoyable ride again is to get the AC fixed (it does get awfully hot here!).

 

[trashtruck]

after discovering the a/c system in my 92 was shot i simply removed it, installed a smaller belt, rolled the windows down and drove faster.

 

[KEN's Exploder]

Welcome back to the road. My 94 was without AC for about 8 years or so and I used it for hauling. I have broke down and spent the funds to keep it road worthy. I'm retired now and realized how useful the vehicle is to me with no monthly payment. Replaced the Michelin LTX M+S tires which were ten years old with plenty of tread left. Enjoy the vehicle so much even with its faults decided to fix her up. Getting seats recovered and headliner in her today. 235 K now with the only issue being the common, ticking hydraulic lifters.

 

[92exp4x4]

Congrats on getting back on the road! I'm in process of the same with my vehicles. Most have been sitting for multiple years.

Check out rockauto.com if you need parts. Great site with lots of stuff and cheaper than parts stores.

 

[MickeyWickey]

Even more life happens. I did replace that ECT but the check engine light won't go off, grrrrrrr..... I'm getting tired of washing a car that I don't drive off my property.
The car sounds fine when it idles. It sounds fine driving in the field. It's not the same as a road test, but it's confounding me to no end that I can't get my baby legal to ride on the street again.

 

[Centaurious]

When you replaced the ECT sensor it was a two wire sensor, correct? The one wire sensor near it is for the Temp Gauge. If you can get the KOEO, CM, and KOER codes it will help with the diagnostic attempts. I do the jumper and read the codes as the Check Engine Light flashes.

Here is a site that explains how.
http://www.troublecodes.net/ford/eectest/