92 Sport Running Poorly

[Makahveli]

I have no idea exactly whats going on. My explorer is having charging and igniting problems. When cranking I hold it for about 10 seconds before it finally starts, then when I do get it started the battery lights remains lit the whole time its running. Here and there the check engine light flashes on and off with random codes mostly. The voltage metter is never in the middle like it use to be but closer to about 10-12V most of the time. Due to everything still working fine I still used it as a I would before but now its starting to get to me. When started up as in warming up the engine now no matter if its hot or cold out the engine dies while idling after about 5 minutes. And recently I accidentally left the lights on one day at work and had to jump start the explorer, and with my jobs service truck I got it going but for the first time it operated like it did good as new as long as those jumper cables were hooked to them charging the battery (Bright light, smooth idling, no hesitation). Any ideas of what wrong with my explorer?

 

[marragtop]

Sounds like you have a charging system problem. Get the alternator and battery tested. Also, you might want to make sure all your grounds are good.

 

[Darrman]

Yeah, sounds like a charging problem. Have your altenator tested, and clean all your battery cable contacts with a wire brush, sometimes corrosive buildup will play hell with charging systems.

 

[mrboyle]

I also think you are having charging issues. It sounds like the alternator is not putting out a full 14.5 volts. Its possible it is charging enough to keep the battery at a minimal charge, but not enough to maintain the electrical needs of the engine and vehicle electrical system. I'd recomend having the charging system tested, but from the sound of it you will most likely need to replace the alternator.

 

[TeckNine4]

Pour some soda like Pepsi or coke to get off all of the corroision deposits, My X had nearly the same problems, it was just the tip of the cable.

 

[roaldd]

sounds like the battery to me. if it ran nicely when the batteries were connected.... and like the other guys said, get the alternator checked too. good luck!