1997 Exploder chuggin gas

[EmmaD]

I had some vacuum issues with my exploder and I think we have fixed the problem. The gasket from the EGR pipe to the plenum had fallen apart and almost got sucked into the intake. The car struggled when you were at a stop but since that got replaced it sounds and runs like a charm. When I purchased this from the previous owner she said it chuggs gas but I thought that problem would have been solved once we found the vacuum leak and repaced the gasket. We filled up 3/4 tank today and after 45 miles( 60km) it was down to 1/2 a tank. I am used to cars does this sound right? The following has been done to the truck

1- The fuel filter has been changed twice in 1 month
2- The MAFS has been taken out and cleaned
3- The air filter has been changed
4- The Idle control valve has been clean

Most of these were done when we were trying to find out what the idleing issue was.

After the car reached about the 30 mile/40km mark the check engine light comes on and I have to disconnect the battery for 15 minutes for it to go off. i have had to do this before because I can't stand to see the light it worries me..lol again if you are outside it runs great you wouldn't think anything was wrong.

I am sure the previous owner change the o2 sensors but can't be sure I just thought they mentioned it in conversation when I looked at the truck. If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them as for now I have to do remove the engine light.

 

[my pos mounty]

Instead of disconnecting your battery to get rid of the "check engine" light, take it to an auto parts store and ask them to read the codes that cause the light. Come back with the code, post the number, and forum members will tell you everything you need to know to fix it properly. It could be the cause of your low gas mileage.

 

[EmmaD]

I will do that, the fist time I saw the light on is when I had the inspection done on the truck. They read the codes and the guy told me it was for a mass air flow sensor intermittent and fuel system lean bank one and two. I cleaned out the mass flow sensor but the other stuff I don't know what to change. I thought the engine light was coming on because of the EGR valve gasket because it was bad but there must be another problem. Like I said it runs fine just uses lots of gas.

 

[magneti]

check the exact mileage to see what you are getting per mile. it may be relatively normal.

 

[EmmaD]

On the next fill I will use the counter. Like I said I am used to cars (neon) I get great gas milage on that car. I have never owned a truck before so maybe the gas is right it just seems like 1/4 tank for 60 km seems alot

 

[Explorer Junky]

Also, what did you use to clean the MAF?? Certain chemicals can damage them. They do have A spray that is specially designed to clean MAF's. Make sure you didn't do any damage to it.

 

[EmmaD]

yes I got the correct stuff it was sensor friendly..lol I think it might be an O2 sensor but I wish there was a way you can test them before having to replace all 3 or 4 of them. I also have a ford taurus and the cngine light just can on to that car as well. it idles funny when it is stopped and it is startng to use up more fuel. What is it with these FORD products..lol

 

[EmmaD]

Somebody told me that my catalytic converter is probably causeing the problem but I don't understand. How could this be the problem if the gas is already being burned and exits out the exhaust system. I could understand if it went through the catalytic converter then into the engine. i think that suggestion is backwards what do you think?

 

[peterbrown77]

Don't use the fuel gauge to estimate consumption - it is not linear. Going from 1/2 to 1/4 tank does not mean you used 1/4 of 20 gallons (i.e., 5 gallons). I go about 280 miles between fills. I get about 100 miles by 3/4 full, another 80 at half full, and burn the remaining 1/2 tank in the last 100 miles. You have to fill it to the brim, drive it until empty, and then go back to the same station and use the same pump in the same manner. Record the gallons and calculate if you want any kind of accuracy. Don't be shocked to see that you're getting around 15-16 mpg, even driving with a light foot. I've never gotten more than 17.5 on a trip. Quite a difference compared to my Corolla at 38 mpg.

 

[alohamonte]

I never had any luck cleaning the MAFS or IAC. I had to replace them both.

If you want to use the rest of that can of cleaner, you can also clean the air charge temperature sensor and the throttle position sensor. might smooth out the idle some. you can also use some injector cleaner in the gas tank.

 

[jremington59]

yes I got the correct stuff it was sensor friendly..lol I think it might be an O2 sensor but I wish there was a way you can test them before having to replace all 3 or 4 of them. I also have a ford taurus and the cngine light just can on to that car as well. it idles funny when it is stopped and it is startng to use up more fuel. What is it with these FORD products..lol

It's not going to do any good speculating on what it might be. Go and get the codes read and let us know, as was previously suggested.

Also there is no reason to change all four sensors. The code will tell you what bank the problem is, and usually it's not even an O2 sensor that's the issue.

Trust me, Ford's aren't the only vehicles that kick the check engine lights.

 

[EmmaD]

Well I am off to buy a code reader for probably 100+ just to have to spend more money to fix my gas issue. I will post the codes that come up maybe you all can help me.

 

[BrianDye]

You can goto a parts store like AutoZone and they will read them, and print the codes out on a reciept for you...(Free)

 

[jremington59]

Don't you have an auto zone or another parts store that does it for free?

 

[celly]

Don't you have an auto zone or another parts store that does it for free?

OP is in Canada (me too). I don't know of any places up here that read codes for free. I remember reading about more and more US places stopping the freebie practice due to liability concerns.

I currently have three ways to read codes so I'm covered .

 

[EmmaD]

Well murphys law I go out and spend 100.00 on a code reader and as I was on my way home the stupid check engine light goes away. It has been on for about 1 1/2 days.

However we have a ford taurus with the same light issue and I pluged the code reader into that and it told me it was O2 Sensor CKT Slow Response (Bank 2 Sensor 1). Can someone teach me what bank 1 and bank 2 are and if you got two sensors on each side which would be one and two? one starting from the back or the front of the motor first. Thanks in advance for everyones help.