Explorer owner: newby

[Shoshanna]

Hi,
I've owned an explorer twice and this time I have a 96 Explorer XLT which I is being worked on by a Chevy dealer. I have questions that I think I should be asking someone acquainted with Fords, so here I am.
I live in the arid eastern highlands of Wa. state and the temperatures lately have caused my engine to start sputtering a lot more than usual. I've had a sensor replaced today, and although the check engine light is off now, it is still sputtering at times and the mechanic says I now need the oxygen sensor replaced and hopefully that will solve the problem.
Looking to find answers from other old explorer owners posts here.

Shoshanna

 

[J_C]

Welcome to the forum!

At this age, it is quite possible you have a bad oxygen sensor, but usually that is indicated by an OBD2 code for an O2 sensor fault, and usually that just makes the engine run richer. Both the fault and the rich condition can be seen on a scan tool capable of live data.

Perhaps this is what the mechanic is seeing or perhaps not, we (or you) have not been supplied sufficient info to determine this.

Was it the coolant temp sensor that was replaced or some other?

At what specific times is it sputtering? Only at idle? Only accelerating? Only letting off throttle? Any any time randomly? Are there any cylinder misfire codes set?

Has the fuel pressure been checked? For your model year it should be approx 35PSI. There are many things that can cause an engine to sputter so all we can go by is the info presented.

However, I would consider what the mechanic wants to charge for the O2 sensor since it is due for them if the original(s). They are not expensive, and not particularly hard to change unless seized in by rust, approximately $30 part and conceding a minimum of 1/2 hour labor charge (or an hour if they won't even charge by the 1/2 hr.) would be $80 for one, or if they mark up parts prices, plus shop fees, round up to $100. If they want much more than that, I would decline the sensor if you or someone you know can DIY replace it, then only $30 at Rock Auto, or perhaps amazon.

Ultimately, I doubt that a new O2 sensor will solve the problem, and would replace it myself, at $30 DIY it may eventually return enough improved fuel economy to pay for itself, but I would question the mechanic as to why they think the O2 sensor is the problem since normally the ECU would just enrich the fuel mix until a bad sensor is replaced.

In the future it is good to mention which engine (4.0L OHV V6 or 5.0L V8 in your case of a '96) and drivetrain (2WD, AWD or 4WD) you have, though drivetrain wouldn't matter in this particular fault. Many people list these in their sig or specs that show under their "trim level" on every post.

Also, when you have a vehicle problem, more people will see your topic and reply if you post it in the forum for your respective generation of vehicle instead of the New Member Introductions forum. Good luck!

 

[Shoshanna]

Thank you for your prompt reply to the intro forum. I have now posted to the forum for stock Explorers 90-2000 with a lot more detail.
It is a 4 wd V6.
The Chevy dealer replaced the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) (B1S1) today but it still sputters at around 40 mph and higher off and on. I don't drive it at top speeds much which they told me I need to do more of, so that may be contributing to buildup. They will be replacing the upstream oxygen sensor next week(one or more may have a problem) and these are the diagnostic codes listed: P0133, P0153, P0420.
It hasn't sputtered this bad until this 120-degree weather last week, although it ran a little rough beforehand, so they said it is build up and to run premium gas instead of regular from now on. I put some fuel injector cleaner in a couple of days ago, which helps a lot, but it wasn't sputtering like this until today after he worked on it, although it is running quieter.
I am paying for highland mechanics where parts and labor are a little more limited than nearer to resources in the city, so they are telling me to get my own parts at nearby Napa since it's cheaper than if they order it themselves, which is thoughtful. The part itself was around $90. for the higher quality part and labor is $110. an hr. They only charged me for a half hr. The next sensor is cheaper and the estimate is fair.

Thanks for the advice and recommendations!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Why is a Chevy dealer working on a Ford?

 

[Shoshanna]

Welcome to this forum! Why is a Chevy dealer working on a Ford?

well, mainly because I'm 50 miles from any other service and they work on all kinds of cars in my tiny town. Wasn't sure it would make it to any other town right now, it's sputtering so bad. Chevy did call Ford Co. to check on PCM reflash today, so they are acquainted.

 

[Mike65]

Welcome.

 

[Shoshanna]

Update: Problem solved. I only needed to replace one sensor. The mechanic said the check engine light is off and nothing new is showing up on the scanner. My explorer is running like a top now! I'm just kinda ticked that I got the bad info from the other mechanic and I put off getting a thorough diagnosis from a qualified mechanic. It took me a year to get one sensor replaced but now I just need to fix the ball joint on the passenger side and I'll be travelling anywhere I want.
Thanks for the additional info here on this thread everyone!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update.