A Few Questions.

[Green00]

Hi Folks,



I'm new to Explorers, so bare with me. :notworthy:


My GF has(I'm the fixer monkey) a 2000 Sport, 4.0.



I need to replace the O2 sensors, all of them. Do these need the O2 sensor socket to be removed or will an open/closed ended wrench work?


Also, when doing the spark plug/wires. Is there an easy way to get these wires done, I have far from small hands and it looks fun, to say the least. What should the plugs be gapped at? .40?



What should the idle be, warm on these? IIRC the idle is about 750-800? I'm sure a quick IAC needs to be cleaned if this is too high.



The rear wiper seems to only work in the cold weather, is there a known problem with these?


Any other known problems I should maybe look at?


I think that's it, for now. I've replaced so much on this in the past 1.5yrs I've lost track. It has been a good vehicle..




Thanks for any input.

 

[dynamite196]

Let's take it one thing at a time starting with the 02 sensors. Are you sure they all need to be replaced or is the computer simply sending out codes for the sensors? If all three are "bad" it's more likely a problem with the heater circuit. Get the exact codes (i.e. po440) and let's go from there; if you don't have a scanner auto zone will pull the codes for free.

The manual calls for the plugs to be gapped from .052-.056, go with motorcraft plugs, pretty much everything else causes trouble. The trick with the plugs and wires is accessing them from the wheel wells. Pull back the rubber mat and u should have no problems.

 

[Green00]

Let's take it one thing at a time starting with the 02 sensors. Are you sure they all need to be replaced or is the computer simply sending out codes for the sensors? If all three are "bad" it's more likely a problem with the heater circuit. Get the exact codes (i.e. po440) and let's go from there; if you don't have a scanner auto zone will pull the codes for free.

The manual calls for the plugs to be gapped from .052-.056, go with motorcraft plugs, pretty much everything else causes trouble. The trick with the plugs and wires is accessing them from the wheel wells. Pull back the rubber mat and u should have no problems.

IIRC she said the guy that scanned it said 1 or 2 were bad. I'm replacing all because they have 130,000 miles on them.



On the plugs/wires, it doesn't seem to be a problem pulling the plugs, just the wires. It appears they are routed behind alot of things that cannot be removed? Unless there're some clips I am not seeing.

 

[Cobraguy]

If they have 130K on them, then it's a good idea to change them. Even if they aren't "bad", they are lazy.

I wonder why he said they are bad though? If you have high idle, I suspect a vacuum leak and the sensors are showing lean. See if your new sensors don't show lean too.

Many times, an end wrench will remove the sensors. And you can usually disconnect them first and fish the plug through the box end of the wrench and use it so it doesn't round off the corners. I have also just cut the harnesses off and used a regular socket for removal. But that's kind of scary because if it's seized, you no longer have any type of sensor to plug back in until you can get it removed! For installation, an end wrench will get it plenty tight. Use antiseize if the new sensor doesn't come with it installed. Sometimes, however, a sensor socket is the only way to remove one due to clearance.

 

[Green00]

Thanks. Honestly, as far as I can remember the Explorer has been a higher idle then my vehicles. So, I never really thought anything of it. After I change/clean somethings, I'll see if it changes anything.



Is there an issue with the keypads? Both of them are hard as can be to unlock the truck, with new batteries and all.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Is there an issue with the keypads? Both of them are hard as can be to unlock the truck, with new batteries and all.

Probably dirty. I on occasion have to tap my keyless remote on the bumper, running board or pavement (which ever is more convenient at the time) for it to work.