1997 5.0 OBDII Question -- Expected Calculated Engine Load reading at Idle

[mbruffey]

1997 5.0 OBDII Question -- Expected Calculated Engine Load reading at Idle

What's the expected reading for Calculated Engine Load at idle? I think mine is high (in the mid-30's), but I have had no experience with this category until now, so I don't know exactly what to expect. Symptoms: idle seems faster than normal and engine is rough at idle.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[robertoa1a]

Posible dirty MAF sensor.

 

[techieman33]

I just looked at some old data logs and my load was around .22 on average at idle. Dirty Maf is a good place to start, could be a vacuum leak, hell it could be lots of things. Are you getting any check engine light codes?

 

[mbruffey]

Roberto, I have cleaned the MAF 2x in the past week, for good measure. I did note that the ends of one of the two resistor-like elements appears dark brown. I don't know, however if that's normal or not.

Techie, I have no codes. Surprised that I do not, in fact. I am considering ordering CheckEnginePro from UK, as this seems to be really good software that supports the el-cheapo Chinese Ebay OBD readers. I didn't realize how the OBD reader market worked before I bought that . . . .

I will say that symptoms have improved somewhat, but not perfected, since cleaning the MAF and IAC. But neither appeared very dirty. My explorer, BTW, only has about 72K miles on it. I may clean the EGR next. I have also heard of improvements in performance, in some vehicles, by using dielectric grease around the sensor harness connections. Maybe I will try that too.

Mark

 

[robertoa1a]

I am experiencing a similar engine issue but almost too mild to trouble shoot. I am considering replacing the MAF sensor on mine just to bring it up to spec. I will reply later.

 

[ezrider440]

for a 5.0 thats a normal engine load, mine is typically between 29-35 at idle depending whether the a/c is on, whether the fan is working really hard during warm weather, a higher engine load can be caused by such things as a vacuum issue, perhaps a rich fuel trim, bad plugs, a wide array of thing, maybe 0xygen sensor issues, maybe even a clogged cat ! so i wouldn't worry too much about it .................check the obvious things

 

[mbruffey]

Solved. Cured. See http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291195