92 check engine light problem

[racephan6]

I have a 92 V6 4x4 Explorer with 135k miles with no mods. I have been dealing with this check engine light problem for awhile. It first appeared when towing a Uhaul trailer in 95 and did reappear for several years when I would notice it driving through the mountains in W. Virginia or Tennessee. Even then, it would go off. It has advanced over the years to coming on after going as few as 70 miles and staying on. I discussed the problem with a Ford dealer mechanic and he said that it was nothing to worry about, and that it was common. Recently, the light has been accompanied by sluggish performance and surging. I am worried that if I do not do something soon, more problems will be created. I have read through countless listings with advise. The predominant opinion seems to be a faulty EGR valve or sensor. Other theories include cleaning or replacing the MAF, replacing O2 sensors, retorqing the intake manifold, and checking cylinder #5 for deposits. Others have reported success using some or all of these fixes. Does anyone out there know for sure which action will solve the problem. Thanks.

 

[jimbo74]

yes do this... i had the same problem on long trips.....cleaning or replacing the MAF, replacing O2 sensors

 

[racephan6]

Do you know off hand which size Torx screwdriver I need to buy to remove the MAF.

 

[Jason94sport]

Yes I agree. Clean the MAS sensor. Same thing happend on mine, I tried cleanin git, but mine went bad, & I had to replace it. I used a 70mm one from explorer express. Also increased performance, with the other mods I did.

 

[Rhett]

One time on a trip my truck did exactly the same thing you describe. It was also in the mountains of Tennessee like you describe! That's the only time the chk engine light ever came on, and I've driven lots of trips since then, so I attribute it to a tank of bad gas. FYI. I got the gas in Dalton, Georgia. It's a known fact that many gas stations on highways put propane additives in their gas. Maybe they put too much propane in their gas there?

 

[jimbo74]

you need a special torx bit... a security torx bit

 

[racephan6]

How hard is it to get to the O2 sensors. I have not located them yet. Will I need any other special tools.

 

[MikeTEC]

Once you find out, let me know as I am having a similar problem with my 93 when towing. The check engine light comes on at around 70 miles after I start out. When I turn off the engine and restart it, the light is off. I can drive/ tow another 65-70 miles and it will come on again. I only have this happen on long trips. Looking forward to hearing about your fix. Apparently several of us are having similar problems. Mike

 

[JDraper]

Have you tried pulling the codes on it yet?? On the '92 you can do it without a code scanner (you just need a paperclip)

 

[nomad]

A paperclip? How is that done? Just replaced the O2 sensor on my 92 Navajo (a minor pain). The engine is running alot smoother and I seem to have more power, but when I was looking for a battery the other day it would not stay running at idle (i left it on went in the stores and when i returned it had stalled). So now I am going to try to clean my MAF. So it had some positive effect but I still seem to have a few more things to do. I was looking at the X maintenace page for the MAF cleaning but it was not very clear about exactly where it is. Can anyone tell me where it is? Thanks

 

[JDraper]

Reading the codes with a paper clip is not hard if you have the Haynes manual. It explains everything pretty well. There's too much data to put up here. Basically, you can short the test connector under the hood, and your check engine light will flash the codes out. You then cross reference the # of flashes, and the sequence to the code list in the book.

 

[RonB]

I'm having a similar problem. I took my 94'Explorer over to Firestone and they read the codes. There were no bad codes. Plus the truck has no symptoms. Just a "Check Engine" light.

Firestone is thinking it is a bad Cam Sensor but don't want to replace it yet because of the price involved and if it is the wrong part I'll still have the problem. Anyone ever had a bad Cam Sensor before? I've had the Oxygen Sensors go before.

 

[BarryM]

torx

Security Torx bit, #20.

Or a regular #20, if you feel like getting a punch and flattening that center pin.

 

[Triton46]

When changing your O2 be sure to change the FPR...at 135k you will definately need a new one by now. For more info do a search on FPR or Fuel Pressure Regulator, if you are getting a rich code...this is what is fouling your O2.

 

[racephan6]

Follow up. It has been about 3 weeks since I replaced my O2 sensor and I have not seen the check engine light since. I recently made a roudtrip from Columbus to the Poconos (about 475miles each way) and still no light. My MAF sensor was clean so it had to be the O2 sensor. Thanks for the advise.