check engine light

[cloudy]

i drive an 1999 explorer.....after a three hour trip, the check engine light came on...it had been getting terrible gas milage.......it is very sluggish, with a little ping...........before i take it to the dealer and have them charge me with the teardown charge........and before i drive it into the lake.............CAN SOMEONE GIVE ME ANY IDEAS???

 

[Alec]

Welcome!

Stores like Autozone will often read codes for free. But you have to get the truck there. Depending on what it's doing, it may not be safe for you or the truck to drive it any more. If you think it's fine, just not running optimally, try getting the code read for free and give us the code # and their definition.

 

[cloudy]

1999

thanks alec

 

[Hokie]

My guess would be O2 sensor.. When it goes mileage with go to crap, and it would probably explain why your truck is running bad.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Which engine do you have?? If the SOHC 4.0, did you have the lower intake manifold o-rings replaced and the cam chain tensioners/timing chaing cassettes replaced (ONP 00M12 and 01M01)?

 

[The"X"]

I had the same problem. O2 sensors going off in each bank. Turned out to be a dirty fuel filter.

 

[JMT1SOMR]

My check engine light comes on after long trips, but from what I understand, it is due to my catlytic converter getting "too hot." I have experienced any other problems however... just a thought.

-Justin

 

[Mr_Evil]

My check engine light comes on when being run at 75mph+ for extended periods of time (Oklahoma Turnpike is 75mph Speed Limit) I chalk it up to a dirty air cleaner because the second I hit lower speed roads the light went off. Gonna get a K&N Filter for it tomorrow which will hopefully alleviate the condition.