92 Explorer problems

[mdiam620]

Hi, I have a 92 Explorer 4.0 4X4 116k miles. There are a few problems that I believe to be linked.

1. at highway speeds when the overdrive kicks in and you try to accelerate there is a bad shudder until you press gas pedal to the floor and it down shifts. VERY slow to get any speed from 55 on up.

2. less than 10 m.p.g. (need I say more)

3. When it is cold out and you go to start it, it won't start on first try always takes 2 tries.

4. When started cold I noticed the exhaust is not a steady stream it kind of puffs out.

5. when in reverse it chugs backwards really bad

6. the temp gauge never moves except at highway speeds. It stays below the normal markings even at 75 m.p.h.

other than that its a great vehicle....lol

 

[MrShorty]

1) 3-4 shift and torque converter clutch (TCC) lockup are both independently controlled by the EEC-IV computer. 1st step in diagnosing this problem is to pull codes from the computer. Then check the wiring for the two solenoids and make sure there are no shorts to ground between the solenoid and the computer (Should get a wiring diagram for this).

2) Probably related to other problems

3) Common symptom for a fuel system that doesn't hold pressure. On cold starts, try cycling the key on and off a few times. Each time let the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds. After doing this a couple of times, then try to start it. Better yet, get a fuel pressure gauge and see what's going on.

4, 5) Possible misfire?? When was the last tuneup (plugs, wires, etc.)?

6) 1st thought is a thermostat stuck open.

 

[Con Seann3ry]

3) You can check your fuel pressure with a standard tire gauge. There is a shrader valve on the fuel rail. There are two shrader valves though so make sure to get the right one, the other one is for AC, and if you hit that one you're basically dead instantly, well, not really, but it's a really bad idea.

5) I'd check your spark plugs and wires like Shorty said

 

[Opera House]

3.) Try turning the key just to on for 3 seconds then off, repeat, and then try to start. This could be a symptom of fuel leakdown and is something you can try if you don't have a gauge.

5.) Search for low/reverse servo. This part on the transmission is fairly easy to replace.

6.) A stuck open thermostat is probably causing most of you mileage problems. Had bad thermostats on every one of mine.