Check Engine Light

[Shondue]

A strange problem started 3 days ago and I have no idea where to start to look for the solution. On Saturday I started the XLT to let it warm up for about 30 min. When I got out on the road the check engine light came on for about 2 mins and then went back off. It came back on a few mins later and would go off again. It has been doing this every since. It only does this when the motor warms up. Any clues what could cause this? I do have a mear 191,000 on the original motor.. (he, he, Just getting broke in..) Another issue that may or not be related, the temperature use to set steady between the N & the O in NORMAL, but now seems to be fluctuating from below the N to just above the R.

 

[JDraper]

Could be a bunch of different things, bad O2 sensor, dirty MAF sensor, etc. Best bet is to go get a Haynes repair manual (Pep Boys has 'em for about $15-$20). If I remember correctly, the '93 still has an OBD I computer, so you can pull the codes by jumpering the computer connector under the hood and reading the pulses of the check engine light. (The Haynes manual has the procedures and all the codes in it).

Welcome to the site!!

 

[tkauf]

reply to check engine light

Clean the mass air flow sensor it's a 10 minute job. Look elsewhere in here for the instructions. Then reset the computer by disconnecting the battery for a half hour or so. Bet that shuts off the light.

Tom Kauffman 94 xlt, 94 B 4000 (Ranger Clone)

 

[countryboys4x4]

my explorer dose the same thing and so dose my friends i dont even pay attion to it anymore

 

[mosinman]

Either do as Jdraper suggested or have a mechanic pull the code. Autozone will do this for free. You will not find the problem any other way. It could be something very simple and cheap to fix that if ignored, will cause much headache later. If not familiar with engine management systems, I would recommend a mechanic.

 

[fnichols]

Similiar problem?

I have a 1993 Ford Explorer 4x4, 87,000 miles, original owner. Always a good vehicle. Serviced regularly. This is strange. About five years ago, at 35,000 miles I towed a friends boat up north (160miles) The check engine light would come on once in a while. If I stoped the vehicle, shut it off and waited for a short time then continued it's good for a while. That was the last time I pulled a 2500# boat until now, and that was the last time it came on, until now. I just bought a 2500# boat. When I drove it home the "check engine light" came on just like it did five years ago. I took it to the Ford garage, they checked and could not find anything. Told me to put black electrical tape over the light if it bothered me?? (WHAT????). Please";

 

[MrShorty]

fnichols: did they get any trouble codes? my '92 did a similar thing (CEL came on when towing) and it gave me an O2 sensor code. Turns out the O2 sensor was bad, but only when it got hot enough for the circuitry to go open, which it did only while towing. For us to better help you diagnose the problem, we need to know what trouble codes the computer is picking up.

 

[XxX_Sport_XxX]

Hurry

THat light came on with my 94 XLT and a week later we had to sell it because the motor was basically blown. Good Luck get it checked out when you still have a chance !!!

 

[fnichols]

Thanks for replies, no codes were reported. Maybe I should replace the o2 sensor.