2002 Ford Explorer Sport - Check Engine Light won't go off

[pinkangel003]

2002 Ford Explorer Sport

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Hi, I am new to the forum and I joined to find answers and help about my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport. I honestly wish I would have never bought it. But I like SUV's....anyway....

Check engine light was on & it was time for inspection....wouldn't pass. Of course this just started a journey of fixing things and more money. Also, SUV started running horrible. Using gas, would surge while going down the road, couldn't use cruise control and idle rough, etc. We were getting the codes for O2 sensors. Replaced all 4 of those. Reset computer. Still getting codes of 0174, 0175 & 2 other codes as well. Put new spark plugs in it & got the fuel injectors clean. Still running bad but not using as much gas. Checked codes again. This time for MAF sensor and EGR valve. EGR valve replaced and MAF sensor cleaned. Had someone look at it said it was clogged cat's. Ended up putting it in shop to get new piping and one large universal cat. Get it back, the engine light off and is not surging while going down the road and can actually use cruise control, runs good. However, blowing black smoke. Ok this time the code is for a throttle position sensor, replaced that....idling better but we can tell there is still a problem. At this point hubby is very frustrated as am I. :frustrate Ok, so we replace MAF valve. Check engine light goes off, hubby goes to see about inspection, doesn't pass because everything says not ready. As soon as he leaves, guess what.....Check Engine Light comes back on. Ok, at this point I go back on the web, find several postings about a vacuum leak. I'm thinking great....everyone who had the same codes listed that I had mention that a vacuum leak could cause all these problems. Most of the people said that they replaced the intake manifold gasket & didn't have anymore CEL problems. Yesterday hubby replaced the intake manifold gaskets, hooked battery back up & was going to drive it to put at least 100 miles on it, just like he had been doing between each change previously, he called 5 minutes ago & Yep, you guessed it. CEL on again! What now....he is of course wanting to burn the SUV. We are running out of ideas & money. Because although it is running 100% better....we know it won't pass inspection. Can anyone help or suggest something that we haven't done or looked at yet?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[my98nnj]

What the error code this time?

 

[joe doe]

what engine??
theres more to it than just the intake gasket .i know on the ohv engine there are rubber orings under the upper plenum(upper air intake runner)and this is what goes bad .they shrink over age and dont seal anymore .replacing these fixed my po174 code .
i have the 4.0 ohv .

ok, you see the small rubber orings in this picture here ,thats what i am talking about .these are located under the upper plenum on the 4.0 ohv .not sure if the ohc engine is the same i never had one .
good luck

 

[budwich]

you might want to get someone to move this thread to the right forum... might get you more exposure to answers. Having said that, as others suggested, your frustration needs to be directed at getting good information into the post (ie. exact error codes... not your / someone's interpretation of the codes).... let the forum interpret the codes. You can go from there.

 

[pinkangel003]

According to what is listed - "Stock 1995 - 2001 Explorers Questions related to non-modified 1995-2001 Explorer, Mountaineer, Ranger and '02+ Sports and Sport Trac." I thought this was the correct forum.

 

[pinkangel003]

Check engine light is still on. I am still getting the same codes that say O2 sensors aren't ready and MAF sensor. All of which has been replaced. I am at a loss now...

 

[budwich]

sorry I was only aware of the main title as opposed to the further refinements.

Anyways, you need to give us the actual codes. The "interpretation" of a specific code is usually not obvious to those without some odb experience. for instance, most O2 codes have nothing at all to do about the o2 sensors (and their replacement) but indicate other areas of issues... so replacing them is unlikely to solve any problem identified by a code like that.

A further analogy would be, you going to the drug store and measuring your blood pressure and coming back and reporting you have a blood pressure issue...

Anyways, hopefully some further information will available and people will quickly point you in a good direction.

IF the codes are exactly the same mentioned... (0174, 1075)... they don't usually indicate o2 in a "not ready state".

 

[cdrudwnw]

I'm having similar issues with my 2002 explorer. It has trouble codes P0171=system too lean, P0306=#6 cylinder misfire, P0316=system detects misfire at startup. Any suggestions?