Check Engine?

[le33sw]

1999 Explorer, 115k miles, 4.0 V6.

The plugs were replaced approx 4k miles ago. This afternoon, as I was driving the 'check engine' (yellow) light came on. I tried fastening anything that is loose - no joy. Also listened to the engine, if there is some sort of a vacuum leak - can't hear anything out of the ordinary.

Any ideas as to what could be the problem?

Thanks in advance.

PS. My idle is a bit high (above 1000rpm) - I have had this problem from the day I bought the vehicle - I put it down to a duff idle control valve. Am I doing any long term damage by using the car with highish idle?

 

[Cobraguy]

The idle doesn't bother me near as much as the reason for it. If you have a vacuum leak...and you have a CEL...and you have high idle, I would suspect the code is for a lean condition and yes...you could damage the engine by driving it that way. If the PCM can't compensate enough for the vacuum leak, you could burn a piston or valve. I would pull the code and repair this as soon as possible.

 

[le33sw]

Thanks for the quick response.
Sorry stupid question - what is a CEL and PCM?

 

[Cobraguy]

Not stupid at all. PCM is Powertrain Control Module...aka ECM...aka engine computer

CEL is Check Engine Light

 

[le33sw]

Wow, that was quick - thanks a million

 

[le33sw]

Turned out to be the MAF - cleaned it in situ. Problem resolved.