check engine light

[ajpagani]

I have 93 XLT with 350,000 miles on the engine. Recently after long hill climbs on the following down hill grade the check engine light comes on for approximately 30 -45 seconds and then goes off. There is no roughness in the engine and it still gets 20 miles to the gallon and uses no oil. The only other item, is that there is a noticable lack of power for hill climbing now. Any idea what the problem is or could be?

 

[aldive]

You need to find what code is triggering the CEL' anything else would be a guess.

 

[Dre]

that sure sounds like a miscomunication between your engine and a tranny. Usually these problems (CEL and lack of power) are associated with towing... the only solution in those situations might be turning Overdrive off (downshif). Torque converter perhaps? You won't be able to check what the problem is when CEL is off... for diagnostics you'll need it on.

good luck

BTW - congrats on such a high milage ... and it takes no oil? 20 miles per gallon? I haev never seen that in any of my Explorers... it also might be because of the way I drive them?

and welcome to the board!

 

[MrShorty]

You won't be able to check what the problem is when CEL is off... for diagnostics you'll need it on.

Actually, when the CEL comes on, the computer should store a code in continuous memory that you can retrieve to determine why the check engine light was on. Codes can be read with nothing more than a piece of jumper wire (paper clip works). The codes are then output as flashes of the CEL. Read www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html for a good "how-to"

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by Dre
You won't be able to check what the problem is when CEL is off... for diagnostics you'll need it on.

Not necessarily true.

 

[JPA1982]

Quick and easy way to get the code read out if u don't want to buy one, AUTOZONE does it for free, took them 2 secs to tell me why my check engine light was on,

for me was EGR value, easy fix, took bout 30 mins to install new one. so thats another place u can go to get the codes,just a thought

 

[fishtruck]

I had the same thing happening on my '91

code read O2 sensors

I replaced them and problem was solved until my fuel pressure regulator went out(poor mileage). I replaced the regulator and she's been running great since.

 

[Dre]

well then... I take that back... take it to your local Autozone... I hope they still do it for free... but if they check it and they have the part replace it right away. Still, with so many miles... I admire your truck