URB
New Member
- Joined
- March 5, 2013
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- North-East WI
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 96 Ford Explorer XLT
Hello everyone,
I'm new here to this site, but I've been reading all of your threads for some time now. A few seasons back I purchased my explorer, a 96 XLT Conti-trac 4L OHV with 200,000 miles on it. I've been getting parts for various things fixing it up, but some symptoms continue despite my efforts... time... and hard earned money. Its my first Ford, and although I like the vehicle, I'm probably not willing to invest a whole lot lot more into it as it stands.
That having been said, I would like to continue working on my ex and see it properly functioning again as I have learned a lot about working on cars in general from this very vehicle. I like how you all come together on this forum, and I consider the site an extremely valuable resource.
OKAY! Enough rambling about that, its high time I said what types of symptoms I've been getting from the Ex -- Two different symptoms that may be in no way related....
1) CEL was on when I purchased the vehicle. When I put my buddy's code reader on, I get the 2 codes for both banks running lean. (I think its P0171 and P0174 or something like that) When I bought the vehicle... it also had a plugged catalytic converter.
I have already replaced the fuel filter and looked for vacuum leaks on the upper intake area, all through the air filter.... which I already replaced as well. I didnt find a vacuum leak around the upper IM gaskets either.
So I changed the plugs and wires, pulled the MAF, dissassembled it, cleaned it with electronics cleaner and reinstalled it. Also cleaned out the IAC which made no difference.
Now, I've also noticed fluctuations in the dash temp gauge. The needle will flux from... say around 3/16 to about 1/2 and back. I've replaced the thermostat (and much of the coolant with it....) and it seemed to improve, but ultimately it did not fix the needle readings...:roll:
2)The Mysterious Shudder
So before I even bought the Ex i noticed an obvious shudder in the steering wheel and seat that seemed to manifest itself at certain speeds. (usually most pronounced in-between 30-35mph but present at 55+) that is usually always there regardless of engine RPMs or steering wheel position. The previous owner told me that something went bad in the transfer case and that the 4wd was non-functional and that the front driveshaft was taken out as it cost too much to fix the whole problem.
But here's the kicker... a small percent of the time... it has no shudder.... seems to be after the vehicle had been running around all day and is nice and warm(gets cold here in northern WI)
Ive taken it to my local mechanic and he had it up on the lift with the rear axle ujoint disconnected and he said that with only the engine, transmission and transfer case turning, the shudder at those alleged speeds was still present. Checked the transfer case fluid and it seemed fine.
I like the Ex and wouldnt like to see her die before her time, so any thoughts that any of you had would be appreciated and held with the utmost consideration. Thank you all in advance!
URB
I'm new here to this site, but I've been reading all of your threads for some time now. A few seasons back I purchased my explorer, a 96 XLT Conti-trac 4L OHV with 200,000 miles on it. I've been getting parts for various things fixing it up, but some symptoms continue despite my efforts... time... and hard earned money. Its my first Ford, and although I like the vehicle, I'm probably not willing to invest a whole lot lot more into it as it stands.
That having been said, I would like to continue working on my ex and see it properly functioning again as I have learned a lot about working on cars in general from this very vehicle. I like how you all come together on this forum, and I consider the site an extremely valuable resource.
OKAY! Enough rambling about that, its high time I said what types of symptoms I've been getting from the Ex -- Two different symptoms that may be in no way related....
1) CEL was on when I purchased the vehicle. When I put my buddy's code reader on, I get the 2 codes for both banks running lean. (I think its P0171 and P0174 or something like that) When I bought the vehicle... it also had a plugged catalytic converter.
I have already replaced the fuel filter and looked for vacuum leaks on the upper intake area, all through the air filter.... which I already replaced as well. I didnt find a vacuum leak around the upper IM gaskets either.
So I changed the plugs and wires, pulled the MAF, dissassembled it, cleaned it with electronics cleaner and reinstalled it. Also cleaned out the IAC which made no difference.
Now, I've also noticed fluctuations in the dash temp gauge. The needle will flux from... say around 3/16 to about 1/2 and back. I've replaced the thermostat (and much of the coolant with it....) and it seemed to improve, but ultimately it did not fix the needle readings...:roll:
2)The Mysterious Shudder
So before I even bought the Ex i noticed an obvious shudder in the steering wheel and seat that seemed to manifest itself at certain speeds. (usually most pronounced in-between 30-35mph but present at 55+) that is usually always there regardless of engine RPMs or steering wheel position. The previous owner told me that something went bad in the transfer case and that the 4wd was non-functional and that the front driveshaft was taken out as it cost too much to fix the whole problem.
But here's the kicker... a small percent of the time... it has no shudder.... seems to be after the vehicle had been running around all day and is nice and warm(gets cold here in northern WI)
Ive taken it to my local mechanic and he had it up on the lift with the rear axle ujoint disconnected and he said that with only the engine, transmission and transfer case turning, the shudder at those alleged speeds was still present. Checked the transfer case fluid and it seemed fine.
I like the Ex and wouldnt like to see her die before her time, so any thoughts that any of you had would be appreciated and held with the utmost consideration. Thank you all in advance!
URB
