94 Explorer XLT Check Engine Light + Acceleration/Lurching issues

[cutlern]

This past weekend I returned from a long (~2000 mile) road trip (almost all highway driving) during which time I had the following three problems:

Problem #1- I had the CEL come on and off for several stretches of the trip, primarily during 3 days of hot weather (90+ degrees). I have been reading the forum and I realize that I need to have the codes read by a technician or buy a unit and read the codes myself before I can determine what the problem is. What kind/brand of tester can I buy to check the codes?

Problem #2- This one concerns me the most and am not sure if it is related to the CEL problem. There are times when I step on the gas (such as to pass another vehicle) and it takes a several seconds before the truck responds and then it finally kicks in and accelerates (sort of like a sudden lurch). I characterize it like a temporary "dead" spot in my acceleration pedal for a few seconds. This happened on the highway and during in town driving as well. I have not had this problem before.

Problem #3- There were several times when I was stopped (like at a stop light) and the idle was running rather rough. But I would put it in neutral and give it some gas and it would stop.

Any suggestions for problems 2 and 3? Thanks in advance!!

 

[Tbars4]

lets start with getting your codes read....you can go to autozone and several other parts stores and they will read them for free because they want to help you buy their parts...when you find the codes they will help us in diagnosing maybe all of your problems at one time....i know you don't want to just start putting money out on maybes when your codes will help get to the heart of the problem...

 

[baseballX]

Definitely get the codes read first. Also check for a dirty MAS, you're computer may be reading incorrect A/F. You could also have bad O2 sensor.

 

[mikeinri]

Definitely read the codes first. Problems 2 and 3 are most likely being caused by whatever is throwing the code.

By the way, it's amazing what some sensors will cause for issues, so make sure you resolve all of the codes before you start looking for other stuff. I had a temperature sensor go one time, and by the way the truck was running, you'd swear it was down to two cylinders, working against each other. Replaced the sensor, good as new.

Mike

 

[wyatt2996]

the bad part about code reading is the fact that most autozones nowadays only read OBD2 codes and those come in on 96 and newer. so unless you have a scanner of your own there are ways to check the codes without a scanner. my past experience is they are listed in the trouble code section of most chilton/haynes manuals, however that may not be as indepth as you may need. i have experienced that issue before on my many drives over the cascades heading to seattle and back. havent made the trip in a while, so i am not sure if it still will do it or not.